The clouds of uncertainty over Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP Tour show no signs of clearing. The Serb has not played since his fourth-round exit at the BNP Paribas Open, with fans eagerly awaiting his comeback. Recently, Djokovic revealed that he remains uncertain about returning at the Madrid Open, citing ongoing physical struggles.
Uncertainty Grows Over Novak Djokovic’s Madrid Return After Serb Reveals He Is ‘Struggling Physically’
The 38-year-old has featured in just two events in the 2026 season, finishing runner-up at the Australian Open and reaching the fourth round at the BNP Paribas Open. However, he was subsequently forced to withdraw from the Miami Open and the Monte-Carlo Masters due to a right shoulder injury sustained during his Indian Wells campaign.
While fans eagerly await his return, Djokovic was recently spotted training on the clay courts of Marbella, fine-tuning his rhythm with a series of forehands and backhands. That indeed fueled hopes for a comeback ahead of the Masters 1000 event in Madrid.
However, concerns persist about Djokovic’s recovery, with no clear indication that he has fully recovered from his injury setbacks. Amid the uncertainty surrounding his return, the 24-time Major champion briefly shifted focus away from tennis, traveling to Madrid on Thursday night to attend the EuroLeague clash between Real Madrid Baloncesto and his beloved KK Crvena zvezda.
During the EuroLeague clash, Djokovic gave a brief interview, during which he was asked about the possibility of returning to competition at the Madrid Open. Although Djokovic hopes to return soon, he remains unsure whether he has fully recovered from his injury.
He highlighted his focus on recovery, while also acknowledging that reduced competition has allowed him time to enjoy other sports and appreciate athletic excellence beyond tennis.
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“I hope so, I hope so! I am working towards that. I am not sure. I have been struggling physically with an injury so trying to address that and play as long as I can. And now I have a little bit more time, obviously not playing as much so get a chance to enjoy other sports and great athleticism,” he replied.
🚨Novak Djokovic on his Madrid participation:
“I hope to compete there. I’m working towards that. I’ve had an injury but I’m addressing that and plan to play as long as I can.” pic.twitter.com/r7Uf5aqkJ7
— Danny (@DjokovicFan_) April 16, 2026
Djokovic boasts a strong record at the Caja Mágica, with 30 wins and three titles, but has made only limited appearances at the event since 2019, including a surprise early exit to Matteo Arnaldi last year. With his return still uncertain, the next few days will be crucial in determining his readiness, as he balances time on court with a cautious approach to recovery.
