Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Madrid Masters 1000 on the eve of the match after doubts have been raised over whether or not he would take part within the pre-French Open occasion. The Serb has endured a tough begin to the 2024 season and withdrew from the Spanish competitors for the third time within the final 4 years.
The Madrid draw was resulting from be made on Monday, however organisers have been made conscious that Djokovic is not going to be competing as he continues to rigorously handle his schedule.
Djokovic, 36, reached the semi-finals at Monte Carlo earlier than he was defeated 6-4, 1-6, 6-4 by Casper Ruud and furiously ranted on the umpire in his first loss to the Norwegian, as he continues to hunt a primary match win of the 12 months.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not but launched a press release to substantiate that he will probably be absent in Madrid, or clarify why he’s skipping the occasion, however was not named on the latest match checklist and is ready to get replaced by Frenchman Luca Van Assche.
Djokovic reached the semi-finals in his most up-to-date go to to Madrid, shedding towards Carlos Alcaraz, however has hardly ever dedicated to occasions that last more than every week in latest occasions.
The 2003 US Open champion Andy Roddick felt that Djokovic wanted extra rhythm and matches going into the French Open, however will not be doing so in Madrid.
“He must play extra tennis going into Roland Garros. He is aware of higher than anybody easy methods to handle this a part of the 12 months,” Roddick mentioned on his Served podcast. “He has slowly ramped up the clay courtroom season to get to a Roland Garros title, so I’m not nervous about him.”
Alcaraz stays within the draw as he hopes to return from an arm damage, having not competed this month as doubts increase earlier than the second Main of the 12 months.
“I don’t need to rush, I don’t need to say that I will probably be 100 per cent in Madrid, though that’s my intention,” the Wimbledon champion mentioned as Spanish tennis followers face the prospect of lacking out on Djokovic and Alcaraz.