Former world number one Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Madrid Open, sparking fresh concerns about his fitness ahead of next month’s French Open. The 38-year-old confirmed on Friday that he will not feature in the Spanish capital as he continues to recover from an ongoing shoulder problem that has disrupted his season. “Madrid, unfortunately I will not be able to compete this year. I am continuing my recovery to return soon,” Djokovic wrote on X.
Djokovic’s absence from one of the key tune-ups on clay comes at a crucial time in the build-up to Roland Garros, where he will seek a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title. His limited playing time this season has only added to the uncertainty. The Serbian giant has played only two tournaments in 2026 so far, finished runner-up at the Australian Open in February before a fourth-round exit at Indian Wells in March.
His fitness issues forced him to withdraw from several tournaments, including the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters, significantly reducing his time on the clay heading into the Paris major.
Djokovic initially hinted at a possible performance in Madrid. Speaking to Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ during a Euroleague basketball game in the city earlier this week, he admitted he was “struggling a bit physically with the injury” but still hoped to compete. That optimism has now given way to caution as it favors recovery.
In his last appearance, he fell in the final of the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz, followed by a defeat to Jack Draper in Indian Wells. Since then, recurring discomfort in his right shoulder has kept him out of the tour.
Djokovic is now expected to return to the Italian Open in Rome from May 6, which could be his only competitive preparation on clay before the French Open starts on May 24.
With time running out and questions growing over his fitness, Djokovic’s race to regain full fitness has become one of the defining subplots ahead of Roland Garros.
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Issued by:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
17 Apr 2026 18:09 IST
