Novak Djokovic has confirmed his decision to skip the Western and Southern Open in order to give himself a chance to recover from a left wrist injury.

The Serb recently won the Rogers Cup but that success came sandwiched between disappointments in both the singles at the Olympics, where he was eliminated at the first hurdle, and Wimbledon where he went out in the third round.

With the US Open still to come this year, Djokovic has now decided to take time out after his exploits in Rio concluded in a bid to let his injured wrist heal properly.

The Western and Southern Open is the only Masters title the 29-year-old has never won, despite reaching the final on five previous occasions.

Djokovic confirmed his decision on Wednesday, apologising to the fans in Cincinnati but insisted that after suffering with the problem for a while, the time had come where he had no choice but to withdraw from the tournament.

“I am very sad to announce that I won’t be able to play this year in Cincinnati at the Western & Southern Open,”
Djokovic said in a statement.

“I have a recurring injury that has taken its toll on my body due to a very busy and active schedule this year.

I have played many matches and I have to take some rest in order to heal. “I always have my hopes high on returning to Cincinnati and winning the only trophy I am missing in the Masters Series.”

Meanwhile, having battled through the second round, Djokovic’s conqueror in Rio Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina is 1.10 to win his third round match against Japan’s Taro Daniel, who is priced at 6.00.