Djokovic, ranked No. 6 in the world, is bidding to win a record 25th major at the U.S. Open, which begins Aug. 24. He lost to world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the semifinals at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon. The Cincinnati Open is still headlined by Sinner and Alcaraz, with many other top stars playing.

CINCINNATI -- CINCINNATI (AP) — Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Cincinnati Open on Monday for what officially was listed as a “non-medical” reason, meaning he will head to the U.S. Open without having played a match in about 1 1/2 months.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open for the second consecutive year, tournament organisers confirmed to U.S. media on Monday. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has opted out of the U.S.