Djokovic withdraws from National Bank Open, joined by Thiem, Goffin and Wawrinka

Ahead of the Tokyo Olympic Games beginning, there have been four big name withdrawals from National Bank Open (Rogers Cup) which is due to take place in Toronto between August 7-15, 2021.

Novak Djokovic is the biggest name to decide against playing in the ATP Masters 1000 tournament with no reason given for his withdrawal.

But Karl Hale, Tournament Director for the National Bank Open mooted that the decision is understandable due to his Wimbledon win and Olympic participation.

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“It would have been fantastic to have hosted Novak [Djokovic] at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers this year."

“However, following a great run to his record-equaling 20th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon and his participation at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, we understand his decision. We wish him all the very best for the rest of the season.”

Joining him are Dominic Thiem who heads into the US Open as defending champion but recovering from an injury, while Stan Wawrinka and David Goffin are also expected withdrawals for injury reasons also.

Daniil Medvedev is now top seed in Toronto with Rafael Nadal, defending champion and now second seed. Marin Cilic, Marton Fucsovics, Taylor Fritz and Albert Ramos-Vinolas take the spots from their alternate positions.

With multiple tournaments including the Western & Southern Open taking place around the time of the US Open series, these will likely not be the final withdrawals from both men's and women's draws in the run up to the return of the tournament.