“I’m dealing with some physical problems”: Novak Djokovic casts doubt on Madrid return

Novak Djokovic has resumed clay-court training in Marbella ahead of the European swing, but his participation at the Madrid Open remains unresolved. The Serbian, currently managing physical issues, has not confirmed whether he will enter the Masters 1000 event, scheduled to begin on April 22. His preparation comes after nearly a month without competition in the ATP Tour, following his Round of 16 exit at Indian Wells.

The uncertainty introduces a potential adjustment to Djokovic’s clay-court calendar. With Rome and Roland Garros still ahead, the former world No. 1 could opt for a reduced schedule, limiting his appearances before the second Grand Slam of the season. The decision is expected before the main draw is finalised, placing immediate focus on his physical condition and readiness.

Djokovic’s absence from competition since his loss to Jack Draper in Indian Wells has created a gap in his early-season rhythm. At 38, his scheduling decisions increasingly reflect load management rather than ranking accumulation.

Madrid, played at altitude and requiring high physical output, represents a different demand profile compared to Rome and Paris, further complicating the decision. The Serbian has won the Madrid title on three occasions, although since his last title in 2019 he has added only two appearances (2022 semifinals, 2025 second round).

Djokovic resumes clay training as Madrid decision remains pending

Djokovic was seen training on clay courts in Marbella, marking his first on-surface work since his last competitive appearance. The session focused on reacclimating to clay-specific movement, including lateral recovery and point construction under slower conditions. This phase typically precedes competitive entry, but in this case, it appears to be part of a controlled buildup rather than a confirmed return timeline.

The key uncertainty lies in whether this preparation is directly linked to Madrid or part of a longer progression toward Rome and Roland Garros. The Madrid Open, due to its altitude, tends to produce faster conditions than traditional clay events, placing greater emphasis on serve efficiency and first-strike tennis. That profile may not align with a player managing physical limitations.

Djokovic addressed his situation directly, acknowledging that participation is not guaranteed and remains dependent on his condition in the coming days. “I hope I can participate,” he said to Movistar. “I'm dealing with some physical problems and I'm not sure yet if I'll be able to compete, but I'm going to try.”

Reduced clay schedule emerges as realistic option

The possibility of Djokovic skipping Madrid reflects a broader trend in his recent scheduling approach. Rather than maintaining a full Masters 1000 calendar, he has increasingly prioritised peak condition for Grand Slams. A shortened clay season consisting only of Rome and Roland Garros would align with that strategy, particularly given the compressed timeline between events.

Back in 2025, the Serbian suffered early eliminations at the Monte-Carlo Masters debut (against Alejandro Tabilo) and at the Madrid Open (against Matteo Arnaldi). The 24-time Grand Slam champion opted to take time off and return to the courts by competing at the ATP 250 Geneva Open—where he ended up lifting his 100th title and achieved ideal preparation before Roland Garros, a tournament in which he was eliminated in the semifinals by the Italian Jannik Sinner.

Novak Djokovic – Clay Season 2025

TournamentRoundOpponentScoreOpponent RankMonte Carlo MastersR32Alejandro Tabilo3-6 4-632Madrid MastersR64Matteo Arnaldi3-6 4-644GenevaR16Marton Fucsovics6-2 6-3134GenevaQFMatteo Arnaldi6-4 6-439GenevaSFCameron Norrie (Q)6-4 6-7(6) 6-190GenevaFHubert Hurkacz5-7 7-6(2) 7-6(2)31Roland GarrosR128Mackenzie McDonald6-3 6-3 6-398Roland GarrosR64Corentin Moutet6-3 6-2 7-6(1)73Roland GarrosR32Filip Misolic (Q)6-3 6-4 6-2153Roland GarrosR16Cameron Norrie6-2 6-3 6-281Roland GarrosQFAlexander Zverev4-6 6-3 6-2 6-43Roland GarrosSFJannik Sinner4-6 5-7 6-7(3)1

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