Novak Djokovic’s quest for a record-extending Cincinnati Open title came to a screeching halt on August 15, as the World No. 1 fell to Alexei Popyrin 6-4, 6-3 in the Round of 16. The result sent shockwaves through the tennis world - not just because of the scoreline, but because of what Djokovic revealed afterward.
The Serbian superstar committed 26 unforced errors and looked a step slow against Popyrin, who fired down 14 aces in a commanding display. It marked Djokovic’s first Round-of-16 loss at a Masters 1000 event since 2019 and his first defeat to Popyrin in three career meetings. But the real story emerged in the post-match press conference, where Djokovic opened up about a nagging physical issue that has been bothering him throughout the North American hard-court swing.
“It causes me a lot of problems on serve and backhand, especially in humid conditions,” Djokovic admitted, revealing he has been battling chronic right wrist inflammation (tendinopathy). The condition flared up during the tournament, and while an MRI taken the morning of the match showed no structural tear, significant fluid retention around the wrist joint has made things difficult.
📊 26 unforced errors vs. 14 aces - Djokovic's timing was clearly off as Popyrin dominated from the baseline, a direct symptom of the wrist issue affecting his ball striking.
The Wrist Issue: A Closer Look at the Diagnosis
Djokovic’s physiotherapist, Ulises Badio, confirmed to Serbian media that the MRI results were reassuring in one sense - there’s no ligament tear or structural damage that would require surgery. However, the inflammation is real and impactful. Treatment has included cryotherapy and localized anti-inflammatory injections (not cortisone), but the discomfort remains a significant obstacle.
The timing couldn’t be worse. With the US Open just days away, Djokovic is facing a race against time to get his wrist right. The 37-year-old has been here before, overcoming physical setbacks throughout his legendary career, but this one feels different. The wrist is central to his serve and backhand - two shots that define his game. If he’s compromised in those areas, his chances of defending his title at Flushing Meadows diminish significantly.
Already, the numbers tell a story: Djokovic’s ranking points take a 300-point hit from the Cincinnati exit, though he still holds a 620-point lead over No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz with 12,840 points. But form and fitness are what matter now, not rankings.
| Category | Current Status |
|---|---|
| World Ranking | No. 1 (12,840 points) |
| Points Drop from Cincinnati | -300 points |
| Lead Over No. 2 Alcaraz | 620 points |
| US Open Bets (DraftKings) | +250 (trails Alcaraz +180, Sinner +210) |
A New Plan: Winston-Salem Withdrawal and US Open Uncertainty
On August 16, Djokovic’s team made a decisive call: he has officially withdrawn from the Winston-Salem Open, skipping the ATP 250 event to rest the wrist. Instead, he’ll fly directly to New York and begin preparations at Flushing Meadows, where he’s scheduled to practice for the first time since the injury on August 18.
The decision makes sense. Winston-Salem offered little in terms of ranking points or momentum for a player of Djokovic’s caliber, and every extra day of rest could be crucial. But the bigger question looms: Will he be ready for the US Open?
Djokovic confirmed he will play the 2026 US Open, where he’s the defending champion and a five-time winner. But he was quick to qualify that, calling his participation “day-by-day.” That’s a far cry from the usual confidence we hear from the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The betting markets have already reacted. Djokovic has drifted from pre-tournament favorite (+120) to +250 to win the US Open title. He now trails both Carlos Alcaraz (+180) and Jannik Sinner (+210) in the odds - a rare position for a player who has dominated the sport for two decades. His next public appearance will be a press conference at US Open media day on August 20, where he’s expected to provide a definitive update on his condition and match schedule.
