Novak Djokovic pulls out of tournament after making worrying admission ahead of French Open

Callum Vurley
Fri, 17 Apr 2026 10:38:30 +0000

Novak Djokovic has officially pulled out of next week's Madrid Open, extending his absence from competitive tennis to three consecutive Masters 1000 events.

The 38-year-old Serbian confirmed the news on Twitter, writing: "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!"

The world number four has been sidelined since his fourth-round defeat to Britain's Jack Draper at Indian Wells over a month ago.

A right shoulder problem forced him to skip both the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters in recent weeks.

Djokovic's 2026 campaign has been plagued by fitness concerns following a promising start to the year.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion reached the Australian Open final in February, where he fell to Carlos Alcaraz in Melbourne.

His most recent competitive outing came at Indian Wells in early March, where he battled through with a visible forearm issue before succumbing to Draper in a gruelling three-set encounter.

The shoulder complaint that subsequently emerged has kept him off the tour ever since.

Despite being spotted training on clay courts in Marbella earlier this week, the Serbian veteran was unable to recover sufficiently for the Spanish capital.

Tournament organisers released a statement following the withdrawal announcement.

"Novak Djokovic, a three-time #MMOPEN champion, will not be able to participate in this year's tournament," the statement read. "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."

The Serbian last lifted the trophy at the prestigious clay-court event in 2019, defeating Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets in the final.

His previous triumphs came in 2011 against Rafael Nadal and 2016 when he overcame Andy Murray across three sets.

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 remains registered for the Italian Open, which gets underway on 6 May in Rome.

The Serbian also holds the defending champion status at the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 event scheduled for the week preceding Roland Garros, though his participation there remains uncertain.

The French Open begins on 24 May, where Djokovic will be chasing a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.

With his 39th birthday approaching next month, the former world number one has adopted a more selective approach to his schedule, prioritising recovery and major tournaments over a packed calendar.