Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Toronto due to fatigue, Tennis Canada has announced.
The 36-year-old, who was blocked from gaining his 24th Grand Slam win by world number one Carlos Alcaraz after his defeat in the Wimbledon men’s singles final on 16 July, will not play in the Canadian event which is due to run from 7-13 August.
“I have always enjoyed my time in Canada but after speaking with my team, we believe this is the right decision to take,” Djokovic said in a statement released by Tennis Canada.
“I would like to thank Karl Hale, the tournament director, for understanding this decision. I really hope I can return to Canada and Toronto in the coming years to play in front of great fans there.”
The Serbian player has won the singles title at the event four times, having last competed in 2018.
Djokovic celebrates French Open tennis win. Pic: AP
Mr Hale said Djokovic “will be missed” at the event as fans were “eager to watch” him play at Sobeys Stadium.
The world number two has already won titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Adelaide this year.
Djokovic at the Australian Open
His withdrawal from Toronto means 27-year-old Christopher Eubanks from Atlanta, US, will be given automatic entry into the main draw.
Eubanks made it to the quarter-finals at Wimbledon before being beaten by Daniil Medvedev.
