Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Cincinnati Masters and appears set to miss all warm-up events ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season. His last competitive match came in the All England Club semi-finals last month.
The 38-year-old has been absent from the tour since falling to Jannik Sinner at SW19 in July. He also chose not to compete at the Toronto Masters 1000 event.
With the year's final major beginning in New York later this month, the three-time champion there faces limited match practice. His most recent triumph at Flushing Meadows came in 2023 against Daniil Medvedev.
The veteran's extended break from competition raises questions about his readiness for the hard-court season.
Novak Djokovic will miss the Cincinnati Open after pulling out
|Reuters
The world number two has endured a challenging campaign in 2024, reaching the semi-final stage at all three majors played so far but failing to progress further.
His Australian Open run ended when a muscle tear forced him to retire against Alexander Zverev in January's semi-final.
At Roland Garros and the All England Club, he reached the final four before exiting.
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The Wimbledon defeat to eventual champion Sinner appeared to involve physical difficulties, sparking concerns about the veteran's fitness.
These setbacks mark a stark contrast to his dominant form in previous seasons. The Serbian has not claimed a major title since his New York triumph in 2023, his longest drought in recent memory.
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Novak Djokovic has not been seen since his loss to Jannik Sinner at Wimbledon
|Reuters
Physical issues have become an increasingly prominent factor in his performances at 38-years-old.
His pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam crown continues at the upcoming US Open, where he claimed victory twelve months ago.
That success against Medvedev represents his most recent major championship, extending a barren run that now spans over a year.
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The Serbian's 2024 campaign has yielded three semi-final appearances but no finals, a disappointing return for the sport's most successful male player.
His early departure from New York in 2023 saw him lose to Alexei Popyrin in the third round, demonstrating the unpredictability of Grand Slam tennis.
Injuries are becoming a more common issue for Novak Djokovic
|Reuters
Despite recent setbacks, the veteran has confirmed his intention to continue competing at the highest level.
Following his Wimbledon exit, he stated his plans to return to SW19, suggesting retirement remains distant despite mounting physical challenges.