The World No.1 Novak Djokovic was set to feature in the doubles title at the Western and Southern Open 2020. Djokovic and his partner Filip Krajinovic were scheduled to face Americans Tommy Paul and Frances Tiafoe in the first round of the doubles draw today.

However, Djokovic has pulled out from the doubles match citing neck pain. Novak and his partner will be replaced with the alternate team of Nikola Cacic & Dusan Lajovic.

Recently during an interview, a journalist asked Djokovic about the importance of this year’s US Open due to the absence of his arch-rivals Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer.

“They will be missed, no doubt, because they are legends of our sport. But apart from Federer, Nadal, and Wawrinka, all the best players are there. I do not believe that this Grand Slam should be considered differently from the others. Some people think that this US Open does not have the same value as the others, I do not agree,” said Djokovic.

Will Novak Djokovic withdraw from singles draw as well?

Djokovic’s withdrawal has made everyone skeptical about whether he will be available for his second-round singles match tomorrow. The Australian Open champion received a first-round bye and is scheduled to play qualifier Ricardas Berankis, who beat 57th-ranked American wild card, Tommy Paul.

Considering, the US Open 2020 starts in a week’s time, Djokovic might plan to withdraw from the singles draw to recover before this Grand Slam begins. Last year, Djokovic was forced to retire from his fourth round at the US Open 2019 due to a shoulder injury. The Serbian had to carry an oxygen chamber with himself to improve performance and expedite recovery.

If the 3-time US Open champion withdraws from the US Open, it will be the first time after US Open 2016 that the tennis world will see a new Grand Slam winner outside the Big 3.