Djokovic Withdraws from Montreal Tournament Ahead of Olympics
- Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the Montreal tournament as a result of his recent Olympic win over Rafael Nadal.
- The decision to withdraw comes as part of his preparation for the upcoming U.S. Open.
- This highlights the intense competition between top tennis players as they navigate their schedules amid significant victories.
MONTREAL (AP) — Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the National Bank Open, a key U.S. Open tuneup tournament in Montreal, following his recent victory over Rafael Nadal at the Paris Olympics. The 37-year-old Serbian tennis star triumphed over Nadal in straight sets at Roland Garros, advancing to the third round of the Summer Games. Djokovic had initially planned to compete in the ATP Masters 1000 event starting on August 6. The tournament organizers confirmed Djokovic's withdrawal, expressing their disappointment but also understanding of his decision. Valérie Tétreault, the tournament director, conveyed well wishes for Djokovic's performance at the Olympics and the remainder of his season. Djokovic, who holds a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles, has yet to secure an Olympic gold medal, making this year’s Games particularly significant for him. In light of Djokovic's exit, Roman Safiullin has been named as his replacement in the main draw of the tournament. The National Bank Open is a crucial event for players as they prepare for the U.S. Open, which is set to begin later this month. Djokovic's absence will be felt, as he is one of the sport's most prominent figures and a fan favorite. As the tennis world looks ahead to the U.S. Open, Djokovic's focus will now shift entirely to his Olympic campaign, where he aims to finally capture the elusive gold medal.