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World No. 1 Novak Djokovic is the latest player to pull out of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open. The 24-time Grand Slam winner, Djokovic pulled out of the tournament and was later not included in the ATP draws, announced on Monday, April 22. The ATP Maters 1000 will be played from April 22 till May 5 at the La Caja Magica, Spain.
According to various reports, the 36-year-old will forego the clay court competition and instead focus on getting ready for the French Open in Paris next month. The Serbian has three Madrid Open victories to his name and last appeared at the Caja Magica in 2019.
However, he last competed at the Monte Carlo Masters, earlier this month. During his campaign at the Monte Carlo Masters, the Serb was defeated by Caper Ruud in the semifinal.
Rafael Nadal to face Darwin Blanch in opener at Madrid Open
With the top-ranked Djokovic missing the Mutua Madrid Open for the second time in a row, 21-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal has been pitted against 16-year-old American Darwin Blanch in the first round.
The 37-year-old returned to competitive tennis at the Barcelona Open but was handed a defeat at the hands of Alex de Minaur in straight sets.