Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Canada Open 2023 tennis tournament due to fatigue, tournament organizers announced on Sunday. The Serbian has won the title on four previous occasions, in 2007, 2011 and 2012. The last time he participated in the tournament was in 2018.
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"I have always enjoyed my time in Canada but after speaking with my team, we believe this is the right decision to take. I would like to thank Karl Hale, the Tournament Director, for understanding this decision. I really hope I can return to Canada and Toronto in the coming years to play in front of great fans there."
Novak Djokovic said in a press release.
Djokovic thanked tournament director Karl Hale for being understanding of his choice and expressed his desire to return to an ATP Masters 1000 event in the future.
Djokovic last participated at Wimbledon 2023, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling match. In 2023, the 36-year-old has titles at the Australian Open, French Open and Adelaide.
On the other hand, Karl Hale expressed his dismay at the absence of the Serb. The Canada Open 2023 tennis tournament director acknowledged Djokovic's incredible talent and fans' eagerness to see the Serb in action at Sobeys Stadium, before praising the outstanding list of players competing at the Canadian Open.
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"Of course, we're disappointed that Novak won't be playing at the National Bank Open this year. He's an incredible player and one we know our fans were eager to watch at Sobeys Stadium. We still have a long list of sensational players confirmed for this year's event, including 41 of the top 42 players in the world." Karl said.
The Canada Open 2023 tennis tournament will begin on August 7. Novak Djokovic's withdrawal has allowed for Christopher Eubanks to gain automatic entry into the main draw of the Canada Open 2023 tennis tournament, following the American's fairytale run to the quarterfinals of Wimbledon 2023.