Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Madrid Open Amid Injury Concerns

Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open due to a persistent shoulder injury, casting doubt on his preparations for the upcoming French Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion confirmed his decision on social media, emphasizing his focus on recovery rather than rushing back into competition. Djokovic's recent performances have been hampered by physical issues, including a fourth-round exit at Indian Wells and a withdrawal from the Miami Open. As the tournament draw approaches, his absence is expected to be a significant talking point, especially with Roland Garros set to begin on May 24, where he aims for a historic 25th Grand Slam title.

By Narendra Chaudhary Apr 17, 2026, 18:14 IST

Djokovic's Withdrawal from Madrid Open

Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming Madrid Open, raising new questions about his preparation for the French Open next month. The 24-time Grand Slam winner revealed on Friday that he is still dealing with a persistent shoulder injury, which has affected his recent performances on the tour.

In a post shared on X, Djokovic stated, “Unfortunately, I won’t be able to compete in Madrid this year. I’m focusing on my recovery to return as soon as possible.” This decision comes after a challenging period for the Serbian player, who has faced various physical setbacks.

Just a day prior, during an appearance at a EuroLeague basketball game in Madrid, Djokovic expressed uncertainty about his condition, admitting to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ that he was “struggling physically a little bit with an injury,” although he had not ruled out the possibility of playing.

The 38-year-old's recent performance has been significantly affected by his health issues. He started the season on a high note, reaching the Australian Open final in February, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz. However, his subsequent tournaments have been less successful, including a fourth-round exit at Indian Wells last month against Jack Draper and a withdrawal from the Miami Open due to the same shoulder problem.

To aid his recovery, Djokovic also opted out of the Monte Carlo Masters, choosing instead to prepare for the clay season in Spain. Although he arrived in Madrid ahead of the tournament window (April 22 to May 3), he has ultimately decided not to compete.

The tournament draw is set for Monday, and Djokovic's absence will undoubtedly be a major topic of discussion as the event approaches. With the French Open starting on May 24, Djokovic's main priority now is to recover and be ready for Paris, where he aims to achieve his historic 25th Grand Slam title.