Novak Djokovic has pulled out of competing at the National Bank Open in Montreal as he looks to contend with his ‘very busy calendar’.
The Serbian is currently representing his nation at the Paris Olympics, recently fending off the challenge of fellow legend Rafael Nadal in their 60th-ever clash.
Djokovic raced into a 6-1 4-0 lead at Roland Garros against the Spaniard, though Nadal did not go down without a fight. The 38-year-old battled back to within touching distance of the world No. 2 before Djokovic asserted his dominance and came through 6-1 6-4.
His progression into the next round of the Olympics means that Djokovic has made the decision not to compete in Montreal soon as he looks to prioritise going for gold in Paris, with the final of the men’s singles event taking place just two days before the action gets underway in Canada.
In a statement on the tournament’s website, Djokovic explained: “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.
I really hope I can return to Canada and Montreal in the coming years to play in front of their amazing fans
Tournament director Valerie Tetreault added that he understood why Djokovic has taken the decision not to compete, despite the obvious disappointment that he will not feature. He 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.
Djokovic currently holds the record for the most Grand Slam titles with 24 but he has not been able to secure a gold medal at the Olympics. The Serbian won a bronze medal in Beijing in 2008 before recording consecutive fourth-placed finishes at London 2012 and Tokyo 2020.
He was among the favourites to secure victory in Rio in 2016 but suffered a shock defeat in the first round of the competition at the hands of Juan Martin del Potro.
