Novak Djokovic will take more time off the court following the Olympic Games gold medal
The Olympic Games champion Novak Djokovic will extend his well-deserved vacation following the Parisian success. Novak became an Olympic champion on Sunday, toppling Carlos Alcaraz in a memorable final and securing the only notable title missing in his collection.
As was expected, Djokovic withdrew from Montreal, and we will not see him in Cincinnati either, sacrificing 1000 ATP points and recharging batteries ahead of the US Open. Novak is 45-12 in Cincinnati, dropping the opening five finals between 2008 and 2015 before lifting three trophies in 2018, 2020 and 2023.
A year ago, Djokovic battled against Alcaraz in one of the greatest Masters 1000 finals, defending a match point in a 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) victory in three hours and 49 minutes! Novak will not seek the title defense, opting to spend more time with his family and make a late travel to the USA ahead of the US Open.
Novak Djokovic will not play in Cincinnati next week.
Djokovic claimed three Major titles from four finals in 2023.
The veteran could not mirror that this season, failing to reach the final before Wimbledon and undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee in Paris on June 5. Novak returned to the gym a week later and traveled to London, entering Wimbledon and reaching the title clash at the All England Club.
Djokovic fell to Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets, embracing the runner-up award and turning his focus on the Olympic Games. Seeking the most desired trophy of the season, Novak defeated Rafael Nadal in the second round in Paris on Court Philippe-Chatrier and battled against Stefanos Tsitsipas in the quarter-final.
Djokovic felt the pain in his knee and trailed in the second set, facing three set points. Novak defended them and performed a comeback, sealing the deal in straight sets and moving into his fourth Olympic Games semi-final.
Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti 6-4, 6-2, delivering five straight breaks from the closing stages of the opening set and reaching his first Olympic Games final. Novak faced the 2nd seed Carlos Alcaraz and prevailed 7-6, 7-6 after two hours and 50 minutes, becoming an Olympic champion at 37 and fulfilling his dreams.
Djokovic is still hungry for more success despite winning 72 notable ATP titles, wishing to compete at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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