New Delhi: Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open due to a lingering injury. The former world number one hasn’t featured in a competitive tournament since the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March and missed the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters due to a shoulder injury. Madrid Masters becomes the third successive tournament that Djokovic has been sidelined from this year.
“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete at the Madrid Open this year,” he wrote on his social media accounts. “I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!”
Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete @MutuaMadridOpen this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 17, 2026
Djokovic, a three-time champion in Madrid, told Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ in Spain’s capital on Thursday that he was “struggling physically a little bit with an injury” but hoped to participate in the tournament.
The tournament said in a statement: “We hope to see you back here as soon as possible so we can enjoy your tennis as we have done so many times in the Caja Magica.”
Djokovic’s 25th Slam quest hits another roadblock
The 38-year-old fourth-ranked Serb was aiming to add another Madrid title to his tally and end the trophy drought after losing to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February and suffering a fourth-round defeat against Jack Draper in the Indian Wells last month.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion skipped last week’s Monte Carlo Masters but looked set to play in Spain after arriving in Madrid to begin preparations for the April 22-May 3 Madrid Open. The draw for the clay-court event will be held on Monday.
Missing three straight ATP tournaments is a big blow to Djokovic’s hopes of winning a record 25th Grand Slam title. The iconic tennis star last won a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open and will face a tough task to complete the long hunt for the elusive Major title at the Roland Garros, which gets under way on May 24.