Novak Djokovic Announces Unfortunate News Ahead of US Open 2021, Dominic Thiem and Stan Wawrinka Join Him

Serbian World No.1 Novak Djokovic is inarguably having one of the best seasons of his career so far. Presently, he is contesting at the Tokyo Olympics 2020 in hopes of a gold medal to continue his ‘Golden Slam’ quest. However, for this reason, he had to make some unfortunate changes in his US Open 2021 preparation schedule.

Since the clay-court season, Djokovic is on a rigorous schedule on the ATP Tour. Thus, with an idea to recover well before New York, the Serbian has cut short Rogers Cup from his calendar this year.

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Novak Djokovic cancels ATP 1000 Toronto ahead of US Open 2021

Earlier, Tennis Canada announced that the 20-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia would not play in Toronto this year. Additionally, Karl Hale, the tournament director of the National Bank Open, explained Djokovic‘s decision.

“It would have been fantastic to have hosted Novak,” Hale said. “However, following a great run to his record-equaling 20th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and his participation at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we understand his decision. We wish him all the very best for the rest of the season.”

Without a doubt, the absence of the five-time champion of the Rogers Cup would put a dent in the event. Consequently, Russian World No.2 Daniil Medvedev would take Djokovic’s place as the top seed in ATP 1000 Toronto.

According to Rogers Cup’s previous entry list, 20-time Grand Slam champions Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal are still among the players’ field.

Conversely, Hale revealed that the reigning US Open champion Dominic Thiem, three-time Grand Slam winner Stan Wawrinka, and Belgium’s David Goffin have also withdrawn due to injury woes.

The tournament is set to run between August 9 and August 15, 2021.

Read More: Novak Djokovic Joins Training Session With the Belgian Gymnastics Team

Djokovic’s quest for Golden Slam in 2021

To achieve the Golden Slam, a tennis player must win all four Grand Slam tournaments of the year plus an Olympic gold medal. So far, Djokovic has won the first three, with gold in Tokyo Olympics and triumph in the US Open remaining.

If he completes the achievement, Djokovic will become the first male tennis player to do so. Also, he would be second to German legend Steffi Graf who fulfilled the ultimate tennis feat in 1988.

Do you think Djokovic will complete the “Golden Slam’ run?

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