Tennis Tournament Concerned About Djokovic's Participation as He Withdraws from Pre-tournament Event Due to Alarming Fitness Concerns at Age 38
Novak Djokovic, the four-time US Open champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Cincinnati Open to prioritize his fitness and schedule, as he gears up for the US Open 2025 and the ATP Finals.
Despite concerns raised by tennis legend Jimmy Connors about Djokovic's fitness ahead of the US Open, Djokovic remains focused on returning strongly and targeting Grand Slam success. His team has indicated he is working on regaining top fitness after his withdrawals, and his participation in select upcoming tournaments will serve as preparation for the US Open.
This strategic decision to avoid overexertion and optimize his performance for the final stretch of the season comes after Djokovic's last singles appearance at the Wimbledon semi-finals. His withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open marks a break in his usual North American hard court preparation, as he has no singles prep time on these courts this summer.
Djokovic's withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open does not mean he is taking a break from competition. In fact, he has won a total of 100 tour-level titles, including his victory at the Geneva Open in May, a week after splitting with coach Andy Murray. In recent years, Djokovic has prioritized the majors over the ATP Masters series.
The US Open, which begins on Sunday, August 24, at Flushing Meadows in New York, will be a significant event for Djokovic. He has won the tournament four times - in 2011, 2015, 2018, and 2023, making it his most recent Grand Slam title. However, since his last victory, the US Open has been won by Jannik Sinner in 2024 and Carlos Alcaraz in 2025. Djokovic has admitted struggling to beat these young talents.
Djokovic is chasing Slam No.25, which would move him ahead of Margaret Court's 1973 record. As the 2025 US Open approaches, tennis fans around the world will be eager to see if Djokovic can add to his impressive Grand Slam tally.
In addition to the US Open Mixed Doubles tournament with Olga Danilovic, Djokovic's schedule for the rest of the year is yet to be confirmed. However, with his focus on the US Open and the ATP Finals, tennis enthusiasts can expect to see Djokovic back on the court soon.
[1] Djokovic withdraws from Cincinnati Open
[2] Djokovic's team discusses his withdrawal from Cincinnati Open
[3] Jimmy Connors voices concerns about Djokovic's fitness ahead of US Open
[1] Djokovic's team has indicated he is working on regaining top fitness after his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open, a move aimed at prioritizing his schedule for the US Open 2025 and the ATP Finals.
[2] Despite concerns raised by tennis legend Jimmy Connors about Djokovic's fitness ahead of the US Open, Djokovic's team discussed his withdrawal from the Cincinnati Open to optimize his performance for the final stretch of the season.
