MADRID, Spain: World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will not play at this week’s Madrid Open but hopes to play in Rome.
Media reports suggest that the 36-year-old Serbian star withdrew from the tournament in the Spanish capital and was not in Monday’s draw.
Djokovic has yet to win a title this season and has only played in four tournaments this year as he decided to lighten his schedule.
Djokovic, who was named world sportsperson of the year for the fifth time at the Laureus Awards in Madrid late Monday, said he would target the Italian Open before defending his French Open title from May 26.
“Unfortunately, I won’t be able to play in Madrid this year… I’ve planned to play in Rome, so I hope I’ll be able to do that, if I prepare well,” Djokovic told media-men.
Djokovic has now withdrawn from the Madrid Open three times in the past four years.
This Serbian athlete has won the two-week clay court tournament in the Spanish capital three times.
This is the second time he has missed the Masters 1000 this year, having missed the Miami Open in March.
