Novak Djokovic, number 1 in world tennis, withdrew from next week's Masters 1000 in Madrid due to elbow problems, as confirmed by the tournament organizers. Djokovic joins the loss of Rafa Nadal, who announced his absence a few days ago.
Djokovic, who was unable to play on the US hardcourt tour earlier this year because he had not been vaccinated against COVID, was preparing for the clay-court season but was knocked out early at the Monte Carlo Masters and Open. from Banja Luka.
"I wasn't feeling well on the pitch, my legs were slow and my footwork was clumsy, a lot of missed shots, totally without direction," the 35-year-old Serb said after his 6-4 quarter-final defeat yesterday. 7-6(6) against Dusan Lajovic in Banja Luka.
Djokovic said, however, that he is still hopeful of finding his rhythm on clay ahead of next month's French Open.
"We wish you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you back on court as soon as possible, Nole," organizers said in a statement without giving details about Djokovic's condition.
Nadal announced earlier this week that he would miss the Madrid tournament after a setback in his recovery from a hip injury sustained at the Australian Open in January.
The two players share the record for the most Grand Slam titles, with 22 each. The French Open, the second Grand Slam of the season, begins on May 28.
