MONTE-CARLO, France – Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, the tournament announced Friday, continuing a challenging start to the clay court season for the 38-year-old Serbian. The withdrawal comes after Djokovic was forced to pull out of the Miami Open earlier this month due to a right shoulder injury, raising concerns about his preparation for the upcoming French Open.
The announcement, initially made via an Instagram story by the tournament, marks a significant absence for Djokovic, a two-time champion at the prestigious Masters 1000 event. He had not missed the tournament since 2011, appearing in 18 of the last 19 editions and holding a residence in Monaco since 2008. This year’s tournament is scheduled to run from April 5-12 at the Monte Carlo Country Club.
Djokovic’s 2026 season began with a run to the Australian Open final, where he was defeated by Carlos Alcaraz. His current record stands at 7-2, according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index. The shoulder injury clearly impacted his performance at the Miami Open, and the decision to withdraw from Monte-Carlo suggests a cautious approach to managing the issue ahead of the more demanding clay court swing.
The Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters is a key warm-up event for the French Open, the second Grand Slam tournament of the year. The tournament, held in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France, is one of nine ATP Masters 1000 events and is played on clay. Rafael Nadal holds the record for most men’s singles titles at Monte-Carlo, with eleven championships.
While Djokovic’s absence is a blow to the tournament, the 2026 edition still boasts a strong field. World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz, the defending champion, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev are all slated to compete. Alcaraz defeated Djokovic in the Australian Open final earlier this year, establishing himself as a major rival.
The withdrawal of Djokovic follows that of Taylor Fritz, the world No. 7, who also opted to skip the tournament. Ben Shelton, ranked No. 9, did not enter the event. This creates opportunities for other players to make a mark on the clay court stage.
Djokovic is now scheduled to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open, which takes place from April 22 to May 3. The Madrid tournament will provide a crucial opportunity for him to regain match fitness and fine-tune his game on clay before the French Open. The decision to bypass Monte-Carlo allows him to prioritize recovery and preparation for the challenges ahead.
The shoulder injury is a recurring concern for Djokovic, and his team will be closely monitoring his progress in the coming weeks. Managing the injury effectively will be paramount to his chances of success at the French Open and throughout the remainder of the season. The clay court season traditionally presents unique physical demands, and a fully fit Djokovic will be needed to contend for major titles.
Fans will be eager to see how Djokovic responds to this setback and whether he can return to peak form in time for the French Open. His absence from Monte-Carlo undoubtedly alters the competitive landscape, but the tournament still promises to be a thrilling spectacle with a host of top players vying for the title.
The Monte Carlo Country Club, the venue for the tournament, has hosted the event since 1928. The tournament’s rich history and stunning location contribute to its prestige within the tennis world. Founded in 1896, the event has evolved over the years, initially including women’s championships until 1982.
Looking ahead, Djokovic’s next confirmed appearance is at the Mutua Madrid Open. The draw and schedule for that tournament will be closely watched as fans anticipate his return to competitive action. The Madrid Open will offer a valuable gauge of his fitness and form as he prepares for the rigors of the French Open.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters and Novak Djokovic’s progress throughout the clay court season. We will provide updates on his condition, match results, and analysis of his performance as he strives to add to his impressive Grand Slam tally.
