Three-time Madrid Open champion Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be participating in next week’s tournament due to a shoulder injury.
The 38-year-old Serbian, who has been recovering from the injury, revealed the decision on his Instagram page,
“Madrid, unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!” he said on the social media app.
Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam winner and former World #1, has not competed since his loss to Jack Draper in the fourth round of Indian Wells over a month ago. Prior to that, he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in early February, and he had hinted that retirement could be on the horizon.
The current World #4 has played only two tournaments this year. After the aforementioned Australian Open, he was forced to withdraw from the Doha Open in February due to fatigue and later pulled out of the Masters 1000 events in Miami and Monte Carlo due to his ongoing shoulder issues.
With the French Open looming in a month’s time, Djokovic’s recovery process will be critical as he aims to return to form ahead of the year’s second Grand Slam in Paris.
Djokovic is 7-2 for the season, a tally which includes his run to the championship match at the Australian Open. The record 40-time Masters 1000 champion is next scheduled to compete at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome, which runs from 6th to 17th of May.
Despite the setbacks, Djokovic remains hopeful and focused on getting back to full fitness as soon as possible, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to the court.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
