MADRID (AP) – Top-ranked Novak Djokovic will miss the Madrid Open because of a fitness issue.
The Madrid Open said on Twitter: “Wishing you a speedy recovery, we hope to see you back on court soon, Noelle.”
While no specific reason was given for Djokovic’s withdrawal, he has discussed recent issues with his elbow, mostly downplaying the extent of the problem.
Rafael Nadal, who shares a record 22 Grand Slam titles with Djokovic, said this week that he would miss the Madrid tournament after suffering a hip injury since the Australian Open in January.
The next major, the French Open, starts on May 28.
Djokovic, 35, has made back-to-back early exits from the tournament. He lost in the round of 16 in Monte Carlo to Lorenzo Musetti. Then, on Friday, Dusan Lajovic defeated Djokovic in the quarterfinals of the Srpska Open, giving him his first loss to a Serb countryman in 11 years.
The Madrid Open starts on Monday. Djokovic has won the tournament three times.
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