Two developments came to light regarding World No. 6 Novak Djokovic‘s tennis schedule on Monday.
The first is that he withdrew from the upcoming Cincinnati Open. Though the US hardcourt schedule has been fast and furious requiring top players to step back from playing in Washington, DC at the Mubadala Citi Open and in Canada at the National Bank Open, everyone who is healthy is expected to play in Cincinnati because it is the final hardcourt tuneup before the US Open.
Novak Djokovic will not play Cincinnati this year, citing a “non-medical” reason.
The World No. 6 is set to return for the US Open following his Wimbledon semifinal run. pic.twitter.com/HdkrS0aswr
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 4, 2025
Djokovic’s reason is not a medical one. That is good news, but hopefully he will be ready to play best-of-five set matches. He has not played since Wimbledon. The fact that he is juggling his schedule at this age and time in his life to prioritize Grand Slams with a family and other commitments is understandable, but opting out of a US Open in Cincinnati is a bit of a surprise.
Novak Djokovic Will Not Be Playing His Home Tournament In 2025
The other news of the day was regarding the Belgrade Open instituted in 2021 and reconvened in 2024 . It is moved to Athens, Greece for 2025 and is slated to begin on November 2.
The Serbia Open 250 will take place in Athens , Greece , from November 2-8 , at the OAKA indoor arena . @DjokovicFan_ #SerbiaOpen https://t.co/TfoT37wlZz
— Isabela 💙 (@isabela18041982) August 4, 2025
This is an ATP 250 event; Djokovic, the most famous athlete to come from Belgrade, Serbia, was the champion in 2021.
It is unclear if he will play in the relocated event.
As we said with Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray, any time we can see Novak Djokovic on a tennis court at this stage in his career is a blessing. Let’s hope he has a great run in New York at the US Open.
