MADRID: Former three-time champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner has been sidelined since his fourth-round defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells over a month ago.
In a message shared on Instagram, the former world number one confirmed his absence, saying he needs more time to fully recover and hopes to return to action soon.
Currently ranked world number four, Djokovic last appeared in a Grand Slam final at the Australian Open earlier this year, where he was beaten by Carlos Alcaraz. Following that loss, the 38-year-old also hinted that retirement may not be far away.
