Novak Djokovic pulls out of Montreal's National Bank Open during Olympic run due to his 'very busy calendar'
Published 30/07/2024 at 11:19 GMT+1
Former world No.1 Novak Djokovic is currently hunting down a first ever Olympic gold medal at the Games in Paris and, having only had knee surgery at the start of June, has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Montreal. The 37-year-old said he needs to make 'hard choices' to protect his body for the remainder of the season, with the US Open coming up at the end of August.
‘Greatest rivalry we have ever seen’ – Watch moment Djokovic downs Nadal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of Montreal’s National Bank Open due to his “very busy calendar”.
The former world No.1 is currently competing at Paris 2024, where he is attempting to win an Olympic gold medal for the very first time.
Despite having the record for the most Grand Slam titles with 24, Djokovic has not enjoyed the same success at the Olympics.
The Serbian took bronze in Beijing in 2008, placed fourth at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, and was knocked out in the first round by Juan Martin del Potro in Rio in 2016.
Therefore, success in Paris is high on his agenda this summer, especially having been beaten in the Wimbledon final by Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic is through to the third round after beating long-time rival Rafael Nadal in straight sets.
The Olympic final is on August 4, just two days before the action gets underway in Montreal.
In a statement on the tournament’s website, Djokovic said: "I’m disappointed to announce my withdrawal from the National Bank Open in Montreal.
“I have a lot of great memories from Montreal, winning two titles there (and two others in Toronto). However, as I'm recovering from my injury in a very busy calendar this summer, I need to make hard choices."
Djokovic had knee surgery after suffering a tear at the French Open, which forced him to pull out ahead of his quarter-final against Casper Ruud at Roland Garros.
“I really hope I can return to Canada and Montreal in the coming years to play in front of their amazing fans,” he said.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2024/07/29/4012475-81387153-2560-1440.jpg)
Djokovic ‘very relieved’ after getting ‘maybe a little too comfortable’ against Nadal
Video credit: TNT Sports
Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault said: “While we’re disappointed that Novak [Djokovic] will be unable to take part in this year’s tournament, we understand his decision and wish him the best at the Olympics and the remainder of his season.”
Because of Djokovic withdrawing, Roman Safiullin has been given automatic entry into the main draw of the competition.
- Nadal to decide on his future after Olympics in Paris
- Raducanu comes through gruelling clash against Mertens at Washington Open
Djokovic will turn his attention to the US Open at Flushing Meadows once he leaves Paris, with the final Grand Slam of the year beginning just over three weeks after the Olympic tennis competition comes to an end.
- - -
discovery+ is the streaming home of the Olympic Games, and the only place you can watch every moment of Paris 2024 this summer
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement