Novak Djokovic withdraws from tournament after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in Wimbledon final
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the National Bank Open following his Wimbledon final defeat
PA
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the National Bank Open in Toronto following his defeat to Carlos Alcaraz in this month's Wimbledon final.
Tennis Canada released a statement on Monday confirming the Serb wouldn't be participating in the upcoming tournament.
And the former world No 1 said: "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.
Novak Djokovic is suffering from fatigue after Wimbledon final defeat
PA
"I really hope I can return to Canada and Toronto in the coming years to play in front of great fans there.”
Djokovic is suffering from fatigue having narrowly missed out on a 24th Grand Slam title.
The 36-year-old had gone into his match with Alcaraz as the favourite to reign supreme, especially given how he'd won the last four Wimbledon men's titles.
He was ultimately beaten by his younger opponent, however, with Alcaraz battling his way to a 1-6 7-6 (8-6) 6-1 3-6 6-4 win.
Djokovic has previously won the tournament in Toronto five times.
Reacting to Djokovic's withdrawal, Hale said: “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.
“He will be missed but 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.”
American Christopher Eubanks will now be drafted into the main draw as Djokovic's replacement.
The 27-year-old impressed at Wimbledon this year, making the quarter-finals of the competition.
Eubanks eliminated Brit Cam Norrie, while also upsetting Greek star Stefanos Tsitsipas in a five-set epic.
His run at Wimbledon was ultimately ended by Daniil Medvedev in the last eight.
And the Russian was then, in turn, beaten in straight sets by Alcaraz in the semi-final.
The competition is due to commence on August 3 and run until August 13.
Pablo Carreno Busta won the men's tournament last year.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Carlos Alcaraz was too strong for Novak Djokovic in the recent Wimbledon final
PA
Meanwhile, regarding Djokovic, tennis icon Jimmy Connors has shut down suggestions the Serb may be growing tired of tennis as he nears the end of his career.
"It comes to a point where a lot of people think he’s had enough. To me that’s b******t," he said on his podcast.
"Look at all the people that were on the Federer bandwagon and the Nadal bandwagon as the greatest of all time.
"They’re not even the greatest of all time in their own era."
He added: "They think that maybe he’s had enough and it’s time for somebody else to come up. I look at it the other way, I say 'Kill it.'
"Stay out there and play until somebody just comes up and beats your brains out because you always got a chance to win."
You may like
