Three-time champion Novak Djokovic confirms return to Cincinnati Open for first time since 2023

For the first time since 2023, Novak Djokovic will compete at the Cincinnati Open. The three-time champion confirmed his participation with the motivation to sharpen up for the US Open on top of securing more Masters 1000 glory.

The Serbian does not play in a whole lot of tournaments these days, solely focusing on the Grand Slam events while a few Masters 1000 competitions are also chucked in there too. This year, he has only competed in three Grand Slam events along with Indian Wells and the Rome Open, both with early exits.

This has been a recent trend with the elusive 25th major title his ultimate aim. The 39-year-old is running out of time with another visit to Flushing Meadows on the horizon. While he is not competing in the Canadian Open, he will make the trip back to Cincinnati in a huge bonus for the tournament and fans attending.

He confirmed the news with a video on Instagram. "Hello everyone. I am very happy to announce that I will be in Cincinnati this year, for the first time since 2023. That year I played one of the top three Masters 1000 finals of my career. I really look forward to coming back, playing in front of you again, and seeing all the fans from around the world. See you soon!"

The likes of Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev will challenge for the title with there a possibility that Carlos Alcaraz also may return to action.

Djokovic has had mixed results in Cincinnati, but his most recent expedition in 2023 was one of his finest showings yet. As mentioned in his video, he would go on to win the title in a titanic battle against Alcaraz, saving a championship point as he won 5-7, 7-6(7), 7-6(4).

His first appearance came over two decades ago with him being a very talented but young tennis player trying to climb up the ranks.

His first final came in 2008, the first of four final appearances in five years. He would lose every single one as his wait for glory continued. Another final defeat against Roger Federer in 2015 left the Serbian frustrated. It was the only Masters 1000 title he was yet to get ahold of.

Being Djokovic, it was seemingly inevitable that he would complete the Masters 1000 clean sweep. This occurred in 2018 when he defeated the Swiss 6-4, 6-4 for his first Cincinnati Open title. He backed this up two years later in a comeback win against Milos Raonic. His latest title came in the forementioned 2023 campaign.

Djokovic's appearances in the North American hardcourt swing have been sparse. Not featuring in the Canadian Open since a third round exit in 2018, the 24-time Grand Slam champion has been absent from four of the prior five events. His last defeat at the event came in the semi-final of the 2019 tournament.

He will hope to keep that unbeaten streak up and seal a 41st Masters 1000 crown. The event will take place from August 13-23 with the US Open soon coming up.