World number two Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s ATP Canadian Open tournament in Montreal, according to Tennis Canada on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion from Serbia recently advanced to the third round of the Paris Olympics after defeating Spain’s Rafael Nadal.
At 37 years old, Djokovic has claimed 98 career ATP titles but will skip this hardcourt event as he prepares for the US Open, which begins on August 26.
“While we are disappointed that Novak will not participate in this year’s tournament, we understand his decision and wish him the best at the Olympics and for the remainder of his season,” said tournament director Valerie Tetreault.
Djokovic’s withdrawal opens up a spot in the main draw for Roman Safiullin, a 26-year-old Russian ranked 66th in the world. Due to the Olympics, the Montreal schedule has been adjusted from the usual Monday-Sunday format, with main draw matches starting on Tuesday, August 6, and concluding on Monday, August 12.
