MONTREAL, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Top-ranked Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month's Rogers Cup in Montreal, saying on Thursday he needs more rest before opening his hard court season.
The 32-year-old claimed his 16th Grand Slam singles crown and fifth Wimbledon title with an epic win over eight-time champion Roger Federer in the All England Club final earlier this month. He is the second elite player to pull out of this event after Federer's announcement two weeks ago.
"I'm sorry to announce that I decided to pull out of Rogers Cup," Djokovic told Tennis Canada. "With the support of my team, I have decided to give my body longer rest and recovery time before coming back again to play.
With Djokovic's withdrawal, 18-time Grand Slam singles champion Rafael Nadal becomes the top seed for the tournament, which starts on August 2 at Montreal's IGA Stadium.
Djokovic is joined by world number 12 Juan Martin del Potro, who injured his right knee in a Wimbledon warmup event last month, on the list of withdrawals.
Del Potro has undergone right knee patella surgery and in the middle of rehabilitation work.
Frenchman Richard Gasquet and Mikhail Kukushkin of Kazakhstan will fill the two available spots in the main draw. Enditem
