Novak Djokovic to Skip Madrid Open, Aims for Rome Return

World number one and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be participating in the Madrid Open this week. The Serbian star, who has yet to win a title this season, has decided to lighten his schedule and focus on preparing for upcoming tournaments.

Djokovic, who was named World Sportsman of the Year for the fifth time at the Laureus Awards, expressed his disappointment at not being able to compete in Madrid but is hopeful to appear in Rome before defending his French Open title later in May.

“This year has been a bit different for me, I haven’t yet found my best level of tennis and I hope I will at Roland Garros,” Djokovic said.

The 36-year-old has now pulled out of the Madrid Open three times in the last four years, citing the need to prioritize his physical condition for the upcoming major tournaments including Wimbledon, the Olympics, and the US Open.

Meanwhile, veteran tennis great Rafael Nadal is set to continue his comeback from injury in Madrid. The 37-year-old Spaniard, who was defeated in the second round of the Barcelona Open, will face 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round.

With Djokovic’s absence, second-ranked Jannik Sinner will lead the field in Madrid and will face either Italian compatriot Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier in the second round.

As the clay court season heats up, fans will be eagerly watching to see how the top players perform in preparation for the upcoming Grand Slam events.