Novak Djokovic Withdraws From Madrid Open

The 24-time major champion continues to recover from a shoulder injury.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 2:41pm

A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting the geometric forms and overlapping planes of a tennis player's motion, rendered in a palette of navy, green, and orange to capture the sport's dynamic energy.Djokovic's persistent injury issues raise doubts about his ability to capture a historic 25th Grand Slam title.Indian Wells Today

Tennis star Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not be competing in the upcoming Madrid Open due to a persistent shoulder injury that has kept him sidelined from recent tournaments like the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters.

Why it matters

Djokovic's withdrawal from the Madrid Open is a significant development, as the tournament is an important clay court event leading up to the French Open. Djokovic's ongoing injury issues raise questions about his ability to regain top form and capture a record 25th Grand Slam title.

The details

In a social media post, Djokovic stated that he is 'continuing my recovery in order to be back soon.' The 24-time major champion has been dealing with a shoulder injury that caused him to miss the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters. Djokovic was also seen wearing a compression sleeve on his forearm during his recent loss at the Indian Wells tournament, indicating the injury issues have persisted.

  • Djokovic announced his withdrawal on April 17, 2026.
  • The Madrid Open is scheduled to run from April 20 to May 3, 2026.

The players

Novak Djokovic

A 24-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 tennis player who is currently ranked No. 4 in the world.

Jack Draper

A young British tennis player who defeated Djokovic in the round of 16 at the 2026 Indian Wells tournament.

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What they’re saying

“'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

What’s next

Djokovic will continue to focus on his recovery in hopes of returning to competition in time for the French Open, the next Grand Slam event on the calendar.

The takeaway

Djokovic's ongoing injury issues are a concerning development for the tennis legend as he aims to capture a record 25th Grand Slam title. His withdrawal from the Madrid Open highlights the challenges he faces in regaining full fitness and competitive form.