Gold medalist Novak Djokovic pulls out of Cincinnati Open

Gold medalist Novak Djokovic withdrew from next week's Cincinnati Open, tournament officials said Thursday.

Djokovic, the World No. 2, is the defending champion of the tournament in Mason, Ohio, and has won it three times. His other titles were in 2018 and 2020.

Djokovic won his first gold medal on Sunday in Paris by knocking off Spain's Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets.

"We certainly understand that it is a quick turnaround from his Olympic triumph to come to Cincinnati," tournament director Bob Moran said in a statement. "His title run here last year was so memorable. We are eager to see him on court again soon."

Last year, Djokovic defeated Alcaraz in a final that took three hours, 49 minutes, the longest match in Cincinnati Open history.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, appears to be making sure he is fit to defend his U.S. Open title. That major tournament begins Aug. 26 in New York.

The Serbian, 37, underwent surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his right knee just over two months ago, causing him to withdraw from a French Open quarterfinal match.

Djokovic previously pulled out of this week's National Bank Open in Montreal.

Replacing Djokovic in the main draw is Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard, a 21-year-old Frenchman.

--Field Level Media