Overview
- Djokovic confirmed on Thursday that he will play the 2026 Cincinnati Open, marking his first appearance at the tournament since his 2023 title run.
- He withdrew from the Canadian Open on July 24 and has framed Ohio as his planned last match practice before the U.S. Open.
- The 39-year-old is a three-time Cincinnati champion whose 2023 final victory over Carlos Alcaraz lasted a tournament-record three hours and 49 minutes.
- This will be only his third non‑Major event of 2026 after Indian Wells and Rome, and as a top seed he is expected to receive a bye into the second round.
- Reports list different tournament start dates (some say Aug. 8–23 and others Aug. 13–23), and organizers and fans will watch Cincinnati for signs of Djokovic’s form as he chases a 25th Grand Slam.