TENNIS: Djokovic still dealing with injury, may not play Madrid Open

Novak Djokovic is continuing to battle the injury setbacks that have kept him from recent events in Miami and Monte Carlo, and now faces uncertainty about his readiness for next week’s Madrid Open, one of the final tournaments before the French Open Grand Slam.

The 38-year-old Serbian star, who recently lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the Australian Open final in February, also suffered an early exit in Indian Wells last month, losing to Jack Draper in the fourth round. Djokovic then pulled out of the Miami Open due to a right shoulder injury, forcing him to miss significant action.

After skipping the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic has now arrived in Spain to prepare for the Madrid Open, scheduled from April 22 to May 3. However, his participation in the event, which he has won three times, is still uncertain.

"I hope to compete here, I'm working towards that," Djokovic shared with Spanish broadcaster Movistar+ at a EuroLeague basketball game in Madrid on Thursday.

"I don't know, I'm not sure. I’ve been struggling physically a little bit with an injury, so I'm trying to address that and play as long as I can. Now I have a little bit more time, not playing as much, so I get a chance to enjoy other sports and great athleticism."

The draw for the Madrid Open will take place on Monday, and Djokovic’s participation will be closely monitored.

Looking ahead, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is focused on his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open, which begins on May 24.

-Reporting by Shrivathsa Sridhar in Bengaluru; Editing by Peter Rutherford/Reuters