Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Madrid Open Due to Ongoing Injury

Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old Serbian tennis player and current world number four, stated on April 17, 2026, that he will not participate in the Madrid Open. He attributed the decision to ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury. Djokovic has played in only two tournaments this year.

In a post on X, Djokovic wrote that he would not compete in Madrid and is focusing on recovery to return soon.

Recent Tournament Participation

Djokovic competed in the Australian Open in February 2026, where he lost in the final to Carlos Alcaraz.

He then pulled out of the Doha Open later that month due to fatigue. In March, he lost in the fourth round of the Indian Wells tournament to Jack Draper. Djokovic subsequently skipped the Miami Open due to the right shoulder injury and also missed the Monte Carlo Masters last week.

Upcoming Schedule and Background

The Madrid Open, a clay-court event where Djokovic has won three times, is set for April 22 to May 3, 2026, in Spain.

The tournament draw is scheduled for Monday. Djokovic arrived in Spain to prepare for the event and told Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ on Thursday that he was dealing with a physical injury but hoped to play. He is next scheduled for the Italian Open from May 6 to 17, followed by the French Open starting May 24, where he aims for a 25th Grand Slam title.

Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, expressed his intention to recover in time for these events.