Novak Djokovic to miss Madrid Open amid injury concerns ahead of French Open
By Marko Tankosic
SME News Balkan. Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open, raising fresh concerns about the Serbian star’s fitness as the clay-court season intensifies. Tournament organizers confirmed the news in a statement, noting that the three-time Madrid champion will miss this year’s edition as he continues recovering from a lingering shoulder issue. Djokovic later addressed fans directly, stating he is prioritizing recovery in hopes of returning to peak form soon.
Injury Troubles Disrupt Djokovic’s 2026 Campaign
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has struggled for consistency since his runner-up finish at the Australian Open earlier this year, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final. Ongoing shoulder discomfort has forced him to limit his schedule, including withdrawals from both the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Miami Open. His most recent appearance came at Indian Wells Open, where he was eliminated in the fourth round by Jack Draper. Following that loss, Djokovic acknowledged the unpredictable nature of his injury, particularly when serving.
Strategic Recovery Ahead of Roland-Garros
With the clay season underway, Djokovic is expected to return at the Italian Open in May, a key warm-up event for the French Open. His participation there will be closely monitored as he aims to regain momentum ahead of the year’s second Grand Slam. Despite recent setbacks, Djokovic remains focused on securing a record-extending 25th major title. Tennis analyst Jamie Murray recently suggested that careful scheduling and peak conditioning will be crucial if Djokovic is to achieve that milestone in 2026.
Legacy Still Intact, Motivation Unchanged
Djokovic’s last Grand Slam triumph came at the US Open in 2023, where he defeated Daniil Medvedev in straight sets. Since then, he has remained competitive at the highest level, including a final appearance at Wimbledon Championships in 2024. While injuries have slowed his progress, Djokovic’s determination to return to top form and chase history remains evident. His next appearance, likely in Rome, could provide a clearer indication of his readiness for another deep Grand Slam run.
