Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, Serena Williams and Others Who Are Missing at Cincinnati Open 2021

In just two weeks’ time, the eyes of the world will feast on the US Open. While winning in Flushing Meadows is the ultimate objective, the Cincinnati Open 2021 presents an opportunity for players to fine tune themselves to the American hard courts.

However, the iconic warmup tournament will miss out on some of the best talents in the game today. While the men’s singles category will miss the famed ‘Big 3’, Serena Williams is a major player sitting out the women’s singles category.

Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic highlight ATP players missing the Cincinnati Open 2021

Federer withdrew from the hard court tournament citing a knee injury. Although fans expected him to make it to the US Open, he gave a saddening injury update. Taking to social media, the Swiss star revealed he needed knee surgery, which keeps him out for an indefinite period.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic is on a roll this year. With three Grand Slam titles, he looks favorite to make it four from four in 2021. However, he cited a sore shoulder and exhaustion as his reasons to miss the Cincinnati Open.

Although Nadal played the Citi Open, he withdrew from the National Bank Open citing the need to recover completely for the US Open. The Spaniard skipped Wimbledon and the Tokyo Olympics due to a foot injury he picked up at the French Open.

Dominic Thiem is another key player missing the Cincinnati Open. The Austrian faces a race against time to recover from a wrist injury ahead of his title defence in Flushing Meadows.

READ MORE: Western & Southern Open 2021 Draw and Bracket: Tough Paths for Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas Despite Missing of ‘Big 3’

Former World No. 1 Serena Williams among key WTA players to miss the tournament

Both Williams sisters will miss the final warmup tournament ahead of the US Open. While Serena recovers from a hamstring injury, Venus‘ reasons remain unknown. However, many speculate her focus is fully on the hard court Grand Slam later this month.

Meanwhile, World No. 4 Kenin is the highest ranked WTA player to miss the event. The 22-year-old American cited the need to rest ahead of the US Open as the reason for her withdrawal.

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