Novak Djokovic admits it is still unclear whether he will be able to return to action at the Madrid Masters next week due to an ongoing injury issue.
The former world No.1 has only featured in two ATP singles events so far this season, with the last of those being in Indian Wells, where he reached the fourth round before losing to Jack Draper. Djokovic was also runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open.
Last month, the Serbian pulled out of the Miami Masters due to a right shoulder injury and hasn’t returned to action since. However, he is currently in Madrid and attended a Euroleague basketball game earlier this week. Whilst at that event, he spoke to Movistar Plus Sports about his plans for the Madrid Masters.
“I hope to compete here, I’m working towards that,” The Reuters news agency quoted Djokovic as saying.
“I don’t (know), I’m not sure. I have been struggling physically a little bit with an injury, so I’m trying to address that and play as long as I can.
“Now I have a little bit more time, not playing as much, so I get a chance to enjoy other sports and great athleticism.”
Djokovic is a three-time champion in Madrid, but last season suffered a shock opening match loss to Matteo Arnaldi. His win-loss record at the event currently stands at 30-10. He has made more than $4M from playing in that tournament alone during his career.
Madrid is the penultimate Masters event before the French Open, which starts at the end of May. Should Djokovic miss it, he still has a chance to get some match play under his belt at the Italian Masters, which he has won six times.
Another player facing questions about playing in the Spanish capital is Alcaraz, after he was forced to withdraw from the Barcelona Open following his first round win. The world No.2 told reporters that his wrist injury was ‘more serious than expected’ following a medical assessment. However, he has yet to publicly comment on whether the injury will affect his participation in Madrid.
The Madrid draw will take place on Monday. Norway’s Casper Ruud is the defending champion.
