Novak Djokovic withdraws from third straight tournament as injury woes continue
The three-time Madrid Open champion will not take part in the tournament this year
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Masters 1000 tournament in Madrid as he continues to struggle with injury. The Serb has now pulled out of three consecutive Masters events, having not played since a gruelling three-set defeat to Britain’s Jack Draper in the round of 16 at Indian Wells in March. He did not compete in Miami and later withdrew from the Monte Carlo Masters , the opening tournament at that level of the clay-court swing.
He posted on social media on Friday: “Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete at the Madrid Open this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!
” The world No 4 had earlier implied he would withdraw from the tournament despite being spotted practicing on clay in Marbella this week. He attended a basketball game between Real Madrid and Crvena zvezda in Madrid on Thursday night and was asked by Spanish broadcaster Movistar about his plans to compete in Madrid. He said: “I hope so, I hope so.
I’m working towards that. I’m not sure. “I’ve been struggling a little bit, physically, with an injury, so trying to address that and play as long as I can.