The wait for Novak Djokovic continues to stretch, with the Serb yet to make his return to the tour. He has not competed since the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and remains sidelined due to an unresolved shoulder injury, delaying the start of his clay-court season. His decision to skip the 2026 Madrid Open only deepened concerns, but Djokovic recently offered a tentative timeline of his return.
Novak Djokovic Hoping To Recover for the French Open
Limited appearances have defined Djokovic’s 2026 campaign so far. The 38-year-old has played just twice, finishing runner-up at the Australian Open before advancing to the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open. However, a right shoulder injury picked up in Indian Wells forced him to pull out of both the Miami Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters.
After being spotted training on the clay courts of Marbella, the 24-time Grand Slam Champion had raised hopes of an imminent return. However, during a recent appearance at the EuroLeague, the Serb admitted he remained uncertain about his recovery. Those doubts were validated soon after, when he announced his withdrawal from the Madrid Open on Instagram.
The spotlight now shifts to Djokovic’s return, with his appearances in recent months few and far between. The Serb recently offered another update on his recovery, acknowledging that he is yet to regain full fitness. While he is targeting a comeback at the Italian Open, he remains prepared to delay his return until the French Open if needed, with his timeline ultimately dependent on how his shoulder responds.
“I have an injury, I hope to be ready at least for Roland Garros. I’m working to get to Rome but I can’t make a prediction now because it depends on the progress of the injury. At least for Roland Garros I’m ready,” he recently told Radiotelevisión Española.
Djokovic has enjoyed strong success at the Madrid Open, winning three titles. With Djokovic set to miss this year’s edition, uncertainty continues to surround the timing of his return to the tour.
Nonetheless, Djokovic will be eager to return at the Italian Open, an event that has consistently brought out his best. The Serb has lifted the title six times in Rome, building a legacy marked by wins over some of the sport’s biggest names.
MORE:Â Coco Gauff, Novak Djokovic and Tennis World Hail Jannik Sinner After Monte-Carlo Triumph
His breakthrough triumph came in 2008 against Stan Wawrinka, while he later overcame Rafael Nadal in 2011. Djokovic went on to add titles in 2014 and 2015, including another final win over Nadal and a successful title defense against Roger Federer. More recently, he edged past Diego Schwartzman to claim the 2020 crown, before securing his sixth title in 2022 with a commanding win over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
A return to the French Open would also present Djokovic with the opportunity to chase a historic 25th Grand Slam title. The Serb has already triumphed three times in Paris, in 2016, 2021, and 2023, further cementing his pedigree on the sport’s most demanding clay-court stage.
