When will Novak Djokovic return to tennis action after withdrawing from Canadian Open 2026?
(Courtesy : @atptour/Twitter)
Novak Djokovic has participated in only five events so far this year.
Novak Djokovic’s 2026 season so far has been mixed, with his highlight performance coming at the Australian Open, where he reached the final and defeated Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals.
Serbian tennis star has looked a shadow of himself since then, as he continues to battle fitness concerns at 39 years of age. Despite his limited on-court success, he continues to enjoy his time both on and off the court.
After his Wimbledon title ambitions came to a close with a one-sided thrashing at the hands of eventual winner Sinner, Djokovic was spotted enjoying his time alongside celebrities from various fields during his time in New York.
Meanwhile, Djokovic also pulled out of the 2026 Canadian Open, marking his seventh consecutive withdrawal from the ATP 1000 event.
This leaves a cloud of uncertainty over the Serbian’s participation in any of the pre-US Open tournaments, as he could instead choose to compete directly at the final Grand Slam, as he has done over the past two seasons.
Also Read: Why are top tennis players withdrawing from Canadian Open 2026?
When will Novak Djokovic return to tennis action?
Novak Djokovic is currently on the entry list for the Cincinnati Open, which will mark his first appearance at the tournament since 2023, when he had stunned Carlos Alcaraz in a dramatic three-setter final.
The entry list also includes top players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, with the latter expected to finally play his first match since injuring his wrist in April.
Despite Djokovic’s presence in the entry list, a late withdrawal cannot be ruled out. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been very selective and cautious about playing in non-Grand Slam tournaments.
If the Serbian has any doubts about his body or feels he needs more time to get fit for the US Open, he might reconsider his participation in Cincinnati.
However, Djokovic will also have to be mindful of his low ranking: he is currently #5 and could slip if he skips the entire North American swing. That could leave him facing Sinner or Alcaraz before the semi-finals at the US Open 2026.
The Cincinnati Masters is set to begin on August 13, and it remains to be seen if Djokovic returns to the playing field.
Will Novak Djokovic participate in the Canadian Open 2026?
No. Djokovic officially pulled out of the Canadian Open, marking his seventh consecutive withdrawal from the ATP 1000 event.
When will Novak Djokovic return to tennis action?
Djokovic is currently listed on the entry list for the Cincinnati Open, which begins on August 13, 2026. If he plays, it will be his first appearance at the tournament since winning it in 2023.
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Aniruddh Seshadri Iyer is a passionate sports journalist at Khel Now, specializing in tennis and Olympic sports. An engineer by training, he found his storytelling passion through iconic Grand Slam and Olympic moments. Known for sharp analysis and insightful coverage, he draws inspiration from Novak Djokovic’s resilience. Outside journalism, he enjoys reading, traveling, and playing the guitar.