World number two and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week’s ATP Canadian Open in Montreal, organizers Tennis Canada confirmed on Monday. The 37-year-old Serbian, who at the weekend reached the third round of the Paris Olympics with a victory over Rafael Nadal, will not play in the hardcourt event to focus on the August 26-starting US Open.
Djokovic, who has 98 career ATP titles to his name, will not feature in the warm-up competition due to his Olympic commitments. The announcement came regretfully from the tournament director, Valerie Tetreault: “While we’re disappointed that Novak 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.”.
With Djokovic’s decision, it opened a way into the main draw for the Russian Roman Safiullin, who stands 66th in the world rankings. The order of play in the Montreal competition has also changed from the regular Monday-Sunday to accommodate main-draw plays starting on Tuesday, August 6, through Monday, August 12.
