Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters, as confirmed by the tournament's social media channels. The decision comes as the Serbian tennis star continues to battle a shoulder injury that has plagued him in recent months.
Official Statement and Injury Details
A brief statement released on Instagram announced: "Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament. We send him our best wishes and hope to see him back on court very soon." This withdrawal follows Djokovic's absence from the Miami Open, another significant event on the tennis calendar.
The 38-year-old has been grappling with forearm and shoulder issues, which he described in detail during a recent interview with the Tennis Channel. Djokovic explained: "I've been struggling the last couple of weeks with that forearm and trying to go through. It's a bit odd, the more I serve, the better I feel, but then it comes on and off if I get cold."
Recent Performance and Health Prioritization
Djokovic participated at Indian Wells earlier this month but was defeated by Great Britain's Jack Draper at the round of 16 stage. He admitted to feeling "out of gas" during that match, which contributed to his decision to skip the Miami Open. He was one of the first players to pull out of that US event, later joined by Emma Raducanu, as he prioritizes his long-term health.
In his interview, Djokovic further elaborated on his injury: "If I don't serve for five or six minutes, then I feel like the first couple of serves of that game are a bit painful. I'm working through it. It's not something I haven't faced before. It's the ins and outs of being a tennis player at this level, but overall, the body is feeling okay. Hopefully it's going to get better every day."
Strategic Withdrawal and Future Plans
Withdrawing from another major tournament like the Monte Carlo Masters suggests Djokovic has not fully recovered and may be conserving his energy for upcoming grand slams. Wimbledon and the French Open are scheduled for this summer, and there are several tournaments between now and then that he might target for his return.
The Monte Carlo Masters is set to take place between 4-12 April, with Carlos Alcaraz looking to defend his title. Djokovic was ousted by Alejandro Tabilo in the 2025 edition at the round of 32 stage. Other top players expected to compete include Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev, who will join Alcaraz in Monaco.
Tournament Context and Recent Rivalries
Meanwhile, in current tennis action, Sinner and Alcaraz are set to square off in the Miami Open semi-finals, with Arthur Fils and Jiri Lehecka competing to face one of them in the final. Alcaraz was surprisingly knocked out at the round of 32 stage by Sebastian Korda in Miami.
Djokovic's withdrawal comes after a thrilling four-set clash with Alcaraz in the Australian Open final earlier this year, where the Spaniard emerged victorious. During that tournament, Djokovic overcame Lorenzo Musetti and Jakub Mensik via walkover, alongside a sensational semi-final victory over Sinner.
Alcaraz's Australian Open win saw him become the youngest man to win Wimbledon, the Australian, US, and French Open, breaking a record previously held by Rafael Nadal. Nadal was present for the final, with Djokovic addressing his old rival directly as he accepted his runners-up shield.
This strategic withdrawal highlights Djokovic's focus on recovery and preparation for the more critical grand slam events ahead, as he manages the physical demands of elite tennis at this stage of his career.
