In an unexpected turn of events occurring just weeks before the US Open, Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the 2025 ATP Cincinnati Masters. The 24 times Grand Slam Champion, who has consistently been a strong competitor at this tournament, mentioned fatigue and the need for precautionary recovery as the primary factors influencing his decision.
Reason For Withdrawal
As per Djokovic’s team, the choice was reached after a medical consultation, subsequent to a demanding Wimbledon 2025 campaign, during which he advanced to the finals but was defeated in a thrilling five-set match. Insiders from his camp suggest that shoulder discomfort and overall physical fatigue were contributing factors, and the decision to withdraw is a precautionary step to guarantee complete fitness for the US Open, which commences at the end of this month.
Djokovic’s History in Cincinnati:
Djokovic Has Won the Cincinnati Masters Twice (2018, 2020).
It is one of the ATP Masters 1000 tournaments that he holds in high regard, especially because of its rapid hard courts which aid in his preparation for the major event at Flushing Meadows.
He made history as the first male player to achieve the Career Golden Masters by securing victories in all nine ATP Masters 1000 titles, culminating in his triumph at Cincinnati in 2018.
Here are some unknowing facts about Novak Djokovic
Djokovic Training Period
Djokovic commenced rigorous training amidst the NATO bombings in Serbia (1999).
He trained in vacant swimming pools and evaded air raids solely to continue playing.
Strict Plant-Based Diet
Although frequently labelled as vegan, Djokovic identifies himself as a plant-based eater.
He eliminated gluten, dairy, and refined sugar upon discovering food intolerances and attributed his enhanced performance to these dietary changes.
Mental Strength through Meditation
Djokovic consistently engages in Yoga, meditation, visualization practices.
He asserts that this mental discipline holds equal significance to physical training.
First Player to Win All 9 ATO Masters 1000 Titles
Djokovic is the only male tennis player to have won all none ATP Masters 1000 tournaments.
Additionally, he has accomplished the Career Golden Masters on two occasions – a remarkable achievement that no other player has matched.
Started Playing at Age 4 with a Wooden Racket
His first racket was a cut-down wooden paddle to him by his father.
By age 6, he was already training six hours a day.
Djokovic Was a Guest Voice Actor
Djokovic lent his voice to the French edition of the film “The Smurfs 2”.
Additionally, there is a Smurf character named in his honor: Smurf Djokovic.
