Madrid: World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has decided to skip the Madrid Open this week, marking his third withdrawal from the tournament in four years.
Media reports confirm the absence of the 36-year-old Serbian star, who has opted out of the event to manage his schedule. Despite not securing a title this season and participating in only four tournaments so far, Djokovic is expected to make an appearance at the upcoming Italian Open before defending his French Open title in May.
Meanwhile, veteran tennis icon Rafael Nadal is set to continue his return from injury in Madrid. He faces 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round, seeking to regain his form after an early exit at the Barcelona Open.
In Djokovic’s absence, the spotlight falls on other top contenders like reigning champion Carlos Alcaraz, who aims to overcome injury concerns, and rising star Jannik Sinner, now the top seed in the tournament.
