(Toronto) Serbian Novak Djokovic, the second player in the world, has announced that he will not participate in the National Bank Tennis Open to be held in Toronto from August 5 to 13.
Tennis Canada confirmed the news in a press release late Sunday afternoon. According to the statement, Djokovic withdrew due to fatigue.
Djokovic’s withdrawal ensures that American Christopher Eubanks will automatically be admitted to the main draw.
Eubanks distinguished himself at the recent Wimbledon Open tennis tournament by reaching the quarter-finals. Along the way, he notably knocked out fifth-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas and 12th-seeded Cameron Norrie.
The 36-year-old and holder of 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Djokovic made the final at Wimbledon on Sunday. He lost in five sets against Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz.
If he had come to Toronto, Djokovic would have been aiming for a fifth career title at the National Bank Open. His last triumph dates back to 2016, in Toronto, when he took the measure of the Japanese Kei Nishikori.
“I’ve always enjoyed my time in Canada, but after talking with my team, we think it’s the right decision to make,” commented Djokovic in Tennis Canada’s official statement.
“I really hope to have more opportunities to play in Canada, and in Toronto, in front of great spectators,” he added.
Despite Djokovic’s withdrawal, the men’s singles draw in Toronto is expected to feature 41 of the top 42 players in the world.