Novak Djokovic, the world number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion, has opted out of the Madrid Open this week, marking his third absence from the tournament in the last four years. The Serbian star’s decision was confirmed by media reports, and he was notably absent from the draw released on Monday.
Djokovic, who has yet to claim a title this season, has participated in only four tournaments this year as part of a deliberate effort to manage his schedule.
Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal, the seasoned tennis great, continues his return from injury in Madrid and is set to take on 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the opening round.
Although Djokovic has withdrawn from Madrid, he remains a contender for the upcoming Italian Open in Rome before defending his French Open title starting May 26th. He has previously triumphed three times at the Madrid Open, a prestigious clay court event.
This marks Djokovic’s second Masters 1000 withdrawal of the year following his absence from the Miami Open in March.
In other developments, Nadal recently competed at the Barcelona Open, where he was defeated in the second round by Alex de Minaur. If Nadal prevails against Blanch, he will face De Minaur for the second consecutive week in Madrid.
With Djokovic’s absence, Jannik Sinner, currently second in the world rankings and the top seed in Madrid, awaits either Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier in the second round of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic withdraws from Madrid.
Hopefully we see him back on the court soon. pic.twitter.com/jLHsVokZJ7
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 20, 2024
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