Novak Djokovic makes big decision that reinforces fact he has changed his scheduling approach
Novak Djokovic is set to compete at this year’s edition of the Madrid Open after a three-year absence from the Masters 1000 tournament.
Having played a light schedule and missed several Masters 1000 events in recent seasons, Djokovic has adjusted his approach far in 2025.
Djokovic decided to play the Miami Open for the first time since 2019, and it has now been confirmed he will also make his return to Madrid.
The Madrid Open announced the news of Djokovic’s participation in a post shared on social media.
“Novak Djokovic is set to return to the #MMOPEN,” the post read.
“This will mark @djokernole’s 13th appearance in Madrid, having first competed there in 2006, when he began his long and fruitful journey with a victory over Richard Gasquet.
“Since then, he has claimed the trophy three times (2011, 2016, 2019), amassing an impressive 30-9 record at the tournament.
“See you soon, Nole!”
Novak Djokovic News
Novak Djokovic’s 11 most incredible Masters 1000 tournament records
Novak Djokovic candidly addresses hopes of breaking Jimmy Connors’ ATP title record
Djokovic is a three-time champion from his 12 previous appearances at the Madrid Masters, which was staged on indoor hard courts until 2008 before switching to clay in 2009.
The Serbian has won all three of the finals he has reached in Madrid, defeating Rafael Nadal in 2011, Andy Murray in 2016 and Stefanos Tsitsipas in 2019.
How did Djokovic perform in his last appearance in Madrid?
In his most recent Madrid campaign — in 2022 — Djokovic was the No 1 seed when he progressed to the semi-finals with wins over Gael Monfils and Hubert Hurkacz (he also received a third round walkover from Andy Murray).
In the last four, Djokovic fell 7-6(5), 5-7, 6-7(5) to Carlos Alcaraz after three hours and 38 minutes in an epic first match of the pair’s rivalry.
Why did Djokovic not play in Madrid in 2023 and 2024?
Djokovic made the decision to miss each of the previous two editions of the Madrid Open, with the Serb preferring to play the other two clay-court Masters events in Monte Carlo and Rome.
An unspecified injury was cited by the tournament as the official reason for Djokovic’s withdrawal in 2023, while no explanation was given in 2024. Djokovic also skipped the Masters 1000 event in 2021.
It proved a successful move in both 2021 and 2023 as Djokovic secured the French Open title in each of these years.
Where is Djokovic playing currently?
The 24-time Grand Slam champion is currently in action at the Masters 1000 tournament in Miami, where he will face Lorenzo Musetti in the last 16.
