Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion and one of tennis’s all-time greats, has sent ripples through the sport with his unexpected withdrawal from the 2025 Cincinnati Open, a key US Open warm-up event. The 38-year-old Serbian, who cited non-medical reasons for skipping the ATP Masters 1000 tournament, has left fans speculating about his physical condition and strategy as he chases a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. Despite opting out of both Cincinnati and the Canadian Open in Toronto, Djokovic has confirmed his participation in two high-profile events to close out the 2025 season: the US Open, where he will compete in both mixed doubles and singles, and the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition in Saudi Arabia. These appearances signal a calculated approach to prioritize recovery and peak performance, underscoring Djokovic’s relentless pursuit of history.
Djokovic’s decision to forego Cincinnati, where he triumphed in 2023 with an epic 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4) victory over Carlos Alcaraz, marks his second consecutive absence from the event. “We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati,” said tournament director Bob Moran, referencing Djokovic’s 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal win, though this year’s withdrawal aligns with his choice to conserve energy after a grueling first half of 2025. His season has been a mix of brilliance and setbacks, with a 26-9 record and a historic 100th tour-level title in Geneva in May. However, back-to-back semifinal losses to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon, compounded by a “nasty” fall in his Wimbledon quarterfinal against Flavio Cobolli, have raised concerns about his physical durability. “Honestly, wasn’t really a pleasant feeling on the court,” Djokovic admitted after his Wimbledon loss to Sinner, acknowledging that age and wear-and-tear are taking a toll. “I don’t want to talk, in details, about my injury and just whine about not managing to play my best,” he added, congratulating Sinner for his dominance.
Djokovic’s first confirmed event is the US Open, starting August 24, 2025, where he aims to reclaim the title he last won in 2023. In a surprising twist, he will kick off his Flushing Meadows campaign with a wildcard entry in the revamped mixed doubles event from August 19-20, partnering with compatriot Olga Danilovic. “That ought to get him plenty sharp,” one observer noted, suggesting the doubles could serve as a unique warm-up for the singles main draw, where he holds a stellar 90-14 record and an 87% win rate. The US Open represents a golden opportunity for Djokovic to surpass Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles, a milestone he’s been chasing since his 2023 triumph. His decision to skip hard-court warm-ups, including Cincinnati and Toronto, where he cited a groin injury, reflects a strategic shift to preserve his body for the majors. “I do feel, yeah, disappointed that I just wasn’t able to move as well as I thought or hoped that I would,” he said post-Wimbledon, hinting at the physical challenges he’s navigating at 38.
The second event on Djokovic’s 2025 calendar is the Six Kings Slam, an exhibition tournament in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled for October. Announced via his social media, the event will feature a star-studded lineup, including Sinner, Alcaraz, and Rafael Nadal, offering fans a thrilling clash of titans. “Idemoooo 🙌,” Djokovic posted, expressing his excitement for the high-profile showdown. While the Six Kings Slam lacks the ranking points of ATP events, it aligns with Djokovic’s selective schedule, allowing him to compete at a high level without the physical toll of a full tournament grind. His participation underscores his desire to stay sharp and engaged, even as he scales back from events like the ATP Finals, which he suggested he’s “done” with after withdrawing in 2024. “Family life is very important to me. I want to be with my wife and children, to be part of their daily lives, which I haven’t been able to do for many years,” he said, highlighting his evolving priorities.
Djokovic’s 2025 season, with only 12 tournaments played in 2024 and an expected reduction in 2025, reflects a deliberate focus on quality over quantity. His earlier appearances at the Australian Open, where he lost to Alcaraz in the semifinals, and Indian Wells, where he reached the final, show he remains a formidable force. The US Open mixed doubles with Danilovic, a rising Serbian star, adds an intriguing dimension to his campaign, potentially sharpening his reflexes and court awareness. The Six Kings Slam, meanwhile, offers a chance to test himself against the sport’s elite in a less pressure-filled setting. As Djokovic navigates the twilight of his career, his selective schedule, punctuated by these two marquee events, showcases a champion balancing legacy, recovery, and the hunger for one more historic triumph.
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