Novak Djokovic, 39, plans to use the Masters in Ohio to prepare for the U.S. Open. The Serbian is currently taking a break.
Record Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic (39) is returning to the ATP Masters in Cincinnati. As the organizers announced on Thursday, the three-time tournament champion has confirmed his participation. Djokovic last played in the hard-court tournament in 2023; the event serves as the final major test on the road to the U.S. Open in New York (starting August 30).
The Serbian won the title in Cincinnati in 2018, 2020, and 2023, defeating Carlos Alcaraz three years ago in an epic final that went to two tiebreaks. It is not yet clear whether the Spaniard will be back in action in Cincinnati (August 11–23) following his serious wrist injury. Alcaraz recently posted training photos showing his progress.
At an advanced age for tennis, Djokovic is focusing on just a few top events on the tour. As a result, he is not in the field for the Montreal Masters, which begins on Sunday. Also missing from that tournament are Wimbledon champion Jannik Sinner (Italy) and Alcaraz. French Open champion Alexander Zverev (Hamburg) enters the tournament as the top favorite.