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Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Cincinnati Open for the second consecutive year, meaning that he will arrive at the U.S. Open in New York City having not played since Wimbledon, where he lost to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals.