According to the announcement from the organizers, Djokovic cannot participate in the tournament taking place from April 22 to May 3 because he has not reached the best physical condition to compete. The owner of 24 Grand Slam titles has not played since the defeat to Jack Draper in the 4th round of Indian Wells. After that, he continued to be absent from the Miami Open and Monte Carlo Masters.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz also confirmed that he will not participate in the home tournament due to a right wrist injury. The world No. 2 tennis player expressed regret for missing Madrid for the second consecutive year - a tournament considered one of his important highlights in the clay court season. Previously, Alcaraz also had to stop early at the Barcelona Open due to fitness issues.
The absence of the two top stars is assessed to significantly affect the attractiveness of this year's tournament. At the same time, this is also an opportunity for world No. 1 Jannik Sinner to increase the gap in the ATP rankings. Currently, Sinner is 390 points ahead of Alcaraz and can widen the gap if he successfully plays in Madrid.
For Djokovic, withdrawing does not significantly affect his points because he only has to defend 10 points at this tournament. In the past, the 38-year-old player has won the Madrid Open three times in 2011, 2016 and 2019.
It is expected that Djokovic will head to the Rome Masters as an important preparation step for Roland Garros, the clay court Grand Slam that will take place afterward.
