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Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Madrid Open, citing a shoulder injury that has derailed his 2026 season. The 38-year-old Serbian, a three-time champion of the clay-court Masters event, announced the decision on social media on Friday, saying he would continue his recovery in hopes of returning soon.

The announcement adds to growing concerns over Djokovic's fitness ahead of the French Open, which begins in Paris in about a month. He has played only two tournaments this year — the Australian Open in February and Indian Wells in March — and has missed several events due to the same shoulder issue, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Djokovic's withdrawal comes just days after Carlos Alcaraz, the world No. 2 from Spain, announced he would also skip the Madrid Open, calling the decision "incredibly hard to share." The dual absences leave the tournament without two of its most prominent figures.

Coverage Comparison

Coverage of Djokovic's withdrawal has been consistent across outlets, with Al Jazeera and TASS both reporting the news based on his social media post. Both sources noted that he is next scheduled to compete at the Italian Open in Rome before the French Open, though no official confirmation of his participation has been made.

Al Jazeera's report emphasized Djokovic's limited match play this year — just two tournaments — and placed his withdrawal in the context of his fitness struggles. TASS focused on the broader details of his career achievements and the tournament itself, noting his 101 career ATP titles and record 24 Grand Slam wins.

A separate TASS article detailed Alcaraz's withdrawal, providing context that this is the second consecutive year he will miss the Madrid Open. The tournament's prize money of over $9.7 million and Casper Ruud's status as reigning champion were mentioned in both TASS articles.

No source reported any disagreement on the basic facts: Djokovic's injury, his withdrawal, and his recent match results. However, only Al Jazeera noted that Djokovic had expressed hope of playing just a day earlier, telling Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ that he was "struggling physically a little bit with an injury" but hoped to compete.

Key Claims

  • Djokovic announced he will not compete in the Madrid Open due to a shoulder injury, as reported by Al Jazeera and TASS.
  • He lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February and to Jack Draper in the fourth round of Indian Wells in March, per Al Jazeera's report.
  • He subsequently missed the Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters, and now the Madrid Open, according to both sources.
  • Djokovic is a three-time champion of the Madrid Open, as stated by Al Jazeera.
  • The Madrid Open offers over $9.7 million in prize money, and Norway's Casper Ruud is the reigning champion, as reported by TASS.
  • Carlos Alcaraz has also withdrawn from the tournament, per his own social media announcement covered by TASS.

Perspectives

Djokovic's camp has framed the withdrawal as a precautionary measure, with the player emphasizing his ongoing recovery and desire to return soon. His statement, posted on X, struck a hopeful tone: "I'm continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!"

Tournament organizers and fans may view the withdrawals with disappointment, particularly as Alcaraz's absence marks a second consecutive year without the home favorite. Alcaraz expressed personal anguish over the decision, calling Madrid "home" and one of the most special places on his calendar.

Analysts and commentators may interpret the situation as a broader concern for Djokovic's longevity and ability to compete at the highest level, especially with the French Open approaching. His limited match play this year stands in contrast to his usual schedule, and his ranking has slipped to fourth in the ATP standings, as noted by TASS.