Novak Djokovic pulls out of Madrid Open after sparking concerns in interview | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from next week’s Madrid Open. The Serbian superstar has not played a match in more than a month following his fourth-round defeat to Jack Draper in Indian Wells. He also pulled out of the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters.

Djokovic made the announcement on Friday, just one day after he sparked injury concerns in a new interview. The world No. 4 attended the Real Madrid vs Crvena zvezda basketball game in Madrid on Thursday evening and told Movistar: “I hope so, I hope so. I’m working towards that. I’m not sure [if I’ll play]. I’ve been struggling a little bit, physically, with an injury, so trying to address that and play as long as I can.”

And less than 24 hours later, the 38-year-old confirmed that he would not be ready to compete next week. “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!” Djokovic tweeted.

In a statement, tournament organisers wrote: “Novak Djokovic, a three-time #MMOPEN champion, will not be able to participate in this year’s tournament. 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 has now missed three consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments. He is signed up for the Italian Open, another clay-court Masters event, which kicks off on May 6. The Serb is also the reigning champion of the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 tournament held the week before the French Open. It remains to be seen whether he will head back to defend his title.

The 24-time Major champion has played just two tournaments this year, finishing runner-up at the Australian Open and reaching the round of 16 in Indian Wells. He cited a right shoulder injury as the reason for his Miami Open withdrawal last month.

Djokovic had been spotted practising on clay courts in Marbella in recent days, but is still not ready to compete. And the Madrid Open could still take another hit before the tournament gets underway next week, with two-time former champion Carlos Alcaraz also picking up a new injury.

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner has also not decided whether he’ll compete in Madrid. The Italian won Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo in the space of six weeks, and then admitted he wasn’t sure on his next steps.

“I’ll take two or three days off, then I’ll evaluate with my team whether to go to Madrid or not,” he said after lifting his maiden Monte Carlo Masters title last week.