MADRID —Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Madrid Open because of a lingering injury.
The fourth-ranked Djokovic hasn’t competed since the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. He missed the Miami Open because of a right shoulder injury and also skipped the Monte Carlo Masters.
“Madrid, unfortunately I won´t be able to compete at the Madrid Open this year,” he wrote Friday on his social media accounts.
“I´m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto,” he added according to AP.
Djokovic is a three-time champion in Madrid.
The tournament said in a statement: “We hope to see you back here as soon as possible so we can enjoy your tennis as we have done so many times in the Caja Mágica.”
The 38-year-old Serb lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February and fell to Jack Draper in the Indian Wells fourth round last month, before pulling out of the Miami Open due to a right shoulder injury.
The 24-times Grand Slam champion then skipped last week’s Monte Carlo Masters before arriving in Spain to begin preparations for the April 22 – May 3 Madrid Open.
The draw for the Madrid Open will be held on Monday.
Djokovic will be looking for a record 25th Grand Slam title when Roland Garros gets underway on 24 May.
