Novak Djokovic to play Cincinnati doubles with Nikola Cacic: Is it part of Davis Cup and Paris 2024 Olympics prep?

Novak Djokovic is set to make a rare appearance on the doubles court when he returns to the ATP Tour at the Cincinnati Open this month.

World No. 2 Djokovic has not played since losing the Wimbledon final to Carlos Alcaraz.

Djokovic is set to team up with fellow Serbian Nikola Cacic at the Cincinnati Open.

Djokovic and Cacic have played doubles three times together, once at the ATP Cup in 2021 and twice at the 2021 Davis Cup.

Djokovic has won one doubles titles during his career – Queen’s in 2010 alongside Jonathan Erlich – and has only played doubles sparingly in recent times.

Earlier this year he teamed up with Vasek Pospisil in Adelaide, and last season he was scheduled to play with Erlich in Tel Aviv but they withdrew beforehand.

It will be the fourth time he has played doubles in Cincinnati.

In 2019 he teamed up with Janko Tipsarevic while in 2007 he made the quarters with Nenad Zimonjic and in 2006 he played with Fernando Verdasco.

Cacic is currently ranked at No. 57 in the world in the doubles and has won three ATP titles in his career, the most recent in 2021.

He is the only Serbian player in the top 100 in the men’s doubles rankings.

Djokovic’s big focus this summer is the US Open.

After missing out on a 24th Grand Slam title at Wimbledon, Djokovic has another chance to tie Margaret Court’s all-time record in New York.

But perhaps he also has the Davis Cup in his mind – and the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Djokovic has confirmed that he will play the Davis Cup this year as Serbia aim to reach the finals. They face Spain, Czech Republic and South Korea in the group stage in September, shortly after the conclusion of the US Open.

“Knock on wood, I hope that I will stay healthy. In that case, I will be available.

“It’s true that the schedule is really tough, since we play in Valencia 10 days after the US Open finals, but I told captain Viktor (Troiciki) that I will be there. I can’t wait.”

Djokovic could team up with Cacic in doubles at the Davis Cup, and at Paris 2024.

He played mixed doubles for Serbia at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, and go again in singles and doubles next summer.

Tennis at Paris 2024 will be held at Roland-Garros, where Djokovic won the French Open this year.

“I hope I’ll be able to play healthy for next year in Paris. It’s going to be played on clay at Roland-Garros, so I’m familiar with those grounds. I hope the best Olympic result for me will come there.”

Tennis at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games starts on July 27.