Novak Djokovic has extended his tennis absence. The Serb, who has competed at just two tournaments this year, has pulled out of yet another tournament, the 2026 Madrid Open, as he continues to recover from injury.
Djokovic shared the unfortunate update on social media on Friday, April 17, just days before the start of the tournament.
Novak Djokovic’s Injury Is the Reason for Madrid Open Withdrawal
Djokovic, the three-time champion in Madrid, has decided against competing at the Masters 1000 event this year. He crashed out in his second-round match against Matteo Arnaldi in 2025 after a bye in the first round. The Serb concluded his withdrawal message with “See you soon.”
“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! (see you soon)”
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!
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) April 17, 2026
Just yesterday, Djokovic was spotted practicing in Marbella. When asked about his appearance during the EuroLeague clash, he said, “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.”
MORE: Djokovic’s Physical Struggles Admission Puts Madrid Open Return in Jeopardy
The only tournaments Djokovic has competed at this year are the Australian Open, where he reached the final, and the Indian Wells Masters, where he was knocked out by defending champion Jack Draper in the Round of 16. He remained absent at the Qatar Open, the Miami Open, and the Monte-Carlo Masters before his Madrid Open cancelation.
The Serb pulled out of the ATP 500 event in Doha, citing “strong fatigue” after his runner-up campaign in Melbourne. In Miami, he was defending his finalist points from 2025. He cited a right shoulder injury as the reason for his absence. He has been on a break ever since.
After losing early in Madrid last year, the 38-year-old skipped the Italian Open and contested the ATP 250 Geneva Open instead. He went on to win the title at the tournament. It remains to be seen if he replicates his 2025 schedule ahead of the French Open, where he is defending his semifinal run.
