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Novak Djokovic withdraws from Madrid Open as Serb misses third tournament in a row

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open hours after sparking injury fears in a new interview. The world No. 4 has not played a match in more than a month.

[Novak Djokovic looks on]

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Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from a third straight tournament(Image: Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the upcoming Madrid Open after missing the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters. It's been more than a month since the 38-year-old last played a match, losing to Jack Draper in the round of 16 in Indian Wells.

Djokovic made the announcement on Friday, less than 24 hours after he cast doubts over his participation while watching the Real Madrid vs Crvena zvezda basketball game.

Taking to social media, the three-time former champion wrote: "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!"

In an official statement, tournament organisers said: " 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 pulled out of three consecutive Masters 1000 tournaments. He is registered for the Italian Open, another clay-court Masters event, which gets under way on 6 May. The Serb is also the defending champion of the Geneva Open, an ATP 250 tournament held the week before the French Open, though it remains unclear whether he will return to defend his crown.

On Thursday evening, Djokovic spoke to Movistar while watching the basketball and was asked whether he'd be playing in Madrid next week. "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," he replied.

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

[Jack Draper of Great Britain shakes hands at the net after his three set victory against Novak Djokovic of Serbia in their fourth round match of the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells Tennis Garden on March 11, 2026 in Indian Wells, California. ]

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Novak Djokovic has not played a match since losing to Jack Draper in Indian Wells

Djokovic had been spotted training on clay courts in Marbella in recent days, yet is still not fit enough to compete. He may not be the only big name to pull out of next week's Madrid Open either.

Carlos Alcaraz picked up a wrist injury at this week's Barcelona Open and won his opening match, but withdrew ahead of the second round.

And world No. 1 Jannik Sinner may also want some extra rest after winning the first three Masters 1000 titles of the year in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.

"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 claiming his maiden Monte Carlo Masters title last week.

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