Madrid, Apr 17 (EFE).- Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury, casting further uncertainty over the tournament, where Carlos Alcaraz also remains doubtful.
“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! (See you soon),” Djokovic, 38 and a 24-time Grand Slam winner, wrote on his X account.
Tournament organizers wished the Serbian a speedy recovery and expressed hope that he will return «as soon as possible» to showcase his tennis «as he has done so many times at the Caja Mágica.»
Djokovic’s last match was on March 12 at the Indian Wells Masters 1000, where he lost to Britain’s Jack Draper in the round of 16.
The former world number one has competed 13 times in Madrid since his debut in 2006, winning the title three times (2011, 2016, and 2019).
After missing the 2023 and 2024 editions, he returned last year but fell in the opening round to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi.
Djokovic, who will turn 39 on May 22, attended Thursday’s Euroleague basketball game between Real Madrid and Red Star Belgrade in Madrid as a spectator, alongside Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic.
Djokovic’s withdrawal adds to doubts surrounding Alcaraz, who pulled out of the Barcelona Open on Wednesday due to discomfort in his right forearm.
The Spaniard’s participation in Madrid remains uncertain, after also missing last year’s tournament with a muscle injury. Alcaraz has won the Madrid title twice, in 2022 and 2023.
So far, world number one Jannik Sinner, third-ranked Alexander Zverev and fifth-ranked Felix Auger-Aliassime are confirmed for the tournament.
Other top-10 players set to compete in Madrid include Ben Shelton (6), Alex de Minaur (7), Taylor Fritz (8), Lorenzo Musetti (9) and Daniil Medvedev (10), along with defending champion Casper Ruud (12).
In the women’s draw, world number one Aryna Sabalenka will headline the tournament. The Belarusian is seeking her fourth Madrid title, having previously won in 2021 and 2023.
Sabalenka will face competition from Elena Rybakina (2), Coco Gauff (3), Iga Swiatek (4) and Jessica Pegula (5), among others. EFE cpg-sk
