Novak Djokovic withdraws from major event in surprise move after shock Indian Wells loss

Ewan West 14 Mar 2024 4:21 PM

Novak Djokovic press conference Indian Wells 2024

Novak Djokovic during a press conference

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2024 Miami Open as he shifts his focus to preparing for the clay-court season following his shock defeat in Indian Wells.

The world No 1 looked set to return to the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami for the first time since 2019, but the news will come as a disappointment to fans who were hoping to watch the tennis legend in South Florida.

The 2024 Miami Open will be held from March 20-31, shortly after the conclusion of Indian Wells on Sunday March 17. The Serbian has won the tournament in Miami six times, a joint-record he holds with eight-time Grand Slam champion and fellow icon Andre Agassi.

Djokovic had not featured at either of the ‘Sunshine Double’ events in Indian Wells and Miami for five years, but he made his comeback at the former earlier this month.

READ MORE: Why Novak Djokovic’s Miami Open move makes sense as he shifts focus to two key goals

The 36-year-old suffered a stunning three-set defeat to 20-year-old Italian Luca Nardi — the world No 123 — in the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on Tuesday.

Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo, a reporter for Sport Klub, has confirmed Djokovic has opted not to compete in Miami after his early exit in the Californian desert.

Novak Djokovic won’t play in Miami.

— Saša Ozmo (@ozmo_sasa) March 14, 2024

Following his loss to to Nardi in Indian Wells, Djokovic was critical of his own display and admitted having not yet won a title this year represents a new feeling for him.

“I could have done everything different. I mean, as I said, very poor performance from my side,” he said in his press conference.

“No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any or tournament.

“It’s fine. You know, it’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going.

“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great (smiling), obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion did not confirm whether he would play in Miami immediately after losing to Nardi and said he needed time to reflect as he was “still hot-headed.”

Djokovic was beaten by eventual champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the 2024 Australian Open in January to suffer his first loss at the event since 2018.