Djokovic withdraws from Madrid Open due to injury concerns

Former world no. 1 Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open as he continues to recover from ongoing injury issues ahead of the clay-court season and the French Open.

The 38-year-old said on Friday that he will not compete in Madrid, explaining that he is still focused on recovery. 

“Madrid, unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon,” Djokovic wrote on social media platform X.

Djokovic has been dealing with a shoulder problem and has played only two tournaments so far this season; the Australian Open in February and the Indian Wells Open in March.

He also skipped several events due to fitness concerns, including the Doha tournament and the Miami Open, after suffering a loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells. 

Earlier, he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final.

Djokovic, currently ranked fourth in the ATP standings, had also withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters and had only recently begun preparations in Spain for the Madrid event.

The Madrid Open draw is scheduled for Monday, where Djokovic is a three-time champion. 

He is next expected to return at the Italian Open in Rome before targeting a record 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

SH