Novak Djokovic to Miss Cincinnati Masters 1000 Event

Novak Djokovic withdraws from Cincinnati Open due to injury, affecting his US Open preparation. Read more about the Serbian tennis star's plans.

Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Cincinnati Open. This decision marks the second consecutive year Djokovic has missed the event. As a result, he won't have any competitive matches between his semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Impact on Djokovic's US Open Preparation

Djokovic's withdrawal means he'll enter the final major of the year without any hard-court preparation. The Serbian tennis star picked up an injury during his Wimbledon semifinal loss, which likely contributed to his decision to skip Cincinnati. Despite this, he'll still be guaranteed a spot in the top four for the US Open main draw.

Possible Return to Tennis Before US Open

Although Djokovic won't participate in the Cincinnati Open, there's a slight chance he might play at the Winston-Salem Open, an ATP 250 tournament, before the US Open. However, it's unlikely he'll choose this option, given his focus on the US Open and his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title.

Novak Djokovic hasn't played on a hard court since the Miami Open in March, where he won the title and broke Rafael Nadal's record for most ATP Masters 1000 wins. His last Masters event was in April, and he's been out with an injury since his semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Cincinnati.

Looks like he will not play any lead up hard court event ahead of the U.S. Open. pic.twitter.com/ArJujr1mPt

— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) August 4, 2025

Djokovic's Cincinnati Legacy

Djokovic is a three-time Cincinnati champion, with his most recent win in 2023 being one of the highlights of his career. He defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling best-of-three set match, showcasing his exceptional skill and dominance on the court. Given his past success, his withdrawal from the 2025 tournament is notable, especially as he'll enter the US Open without any hard-court preparation.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open, which starts on Thursday, and will instead focus on his upcoming mixed doubles commitment. He's been awarded a wildcard entry to participate in the US Open mixed doubles event alongside Olga Danilovic, starting August 19th. This marks a strategic decision, given the US Open begins just five days later, on August 24th.

On this day 🥇

A year ago today, @DjokerNole achieved his dream of winning an Olympic gold medal, what a moment ❤️#NovakDjokovic | #Olympics pic.twitter.com/zJcMwbKc02

— ATP Tour (@atptour) August 4, 2025

Djokovic's Schedule:

US Open Mixed Doubles: August 19th, partnering with Olga Danilovic

US Open: August 24th - September 7th

It's worth noting Djokovic hasn't played competitively since his Wimbledon semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner, where he picked up an injury. His absence from Cincinnati might be a precautionary measure to ensure he's fit for the US Open.