Djokovic Says He Hopes to Be Ready for French Open After Madrid Appearance

Novak Djokovic expressed cautious optimism about his readiness for the upcoming French Open during a brief health update while in Madrid for the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards. The Serbian tennis star, who served as co-host of the prestigious ceremony alongside Eileen Gu, shared his thoughts on his physical condition ahead of the clay-court major.

Speaking at the event held at the Cibeles Palace in Madrid on April 20, 2026, Djokovic indicated he is working toward being prepared for Roland-Garros, which begins in late May. His comments came as part of his role in the Laureus ceremony, where he helped present awards recognizing outstanding athletic achievements from 2025.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has been managing his schedule carefully in recent months, opting to skip certain Masters 1000 events to focus on his health and preparation for the Grand Slams. His appearance in Madrid was part of a limited schedule that saw him travel specifically for the Laureus Awards before making decisions about his upcoming clay-court campaign.

Djokovic’s participation in the Laureus Awards highlighted his continued involvement in global sports initiatives beyond competition. The ceremony, which celebrates sporting excellence and the power of sport to drive social change, has been hosted in Madrid multiple times in recent years, with the city becoming a regular venue for the prestigious event.

As Djokovic looks ahead to the French Open, his focus remains on assessing his physical condition and determining the optimal preparation path. The Serbian has historically been strong at Roland-Garros, having won the title three times in his career, most recently in 2021.

Fans and analysts will be monitoring his progress closely in the coming weeks as he decides on his tune-up events ahead of the second Grand Slam of the year. His commitment to competing at the highest level while managing his long-term health continues to shape his approach to the tennis calendar.

The tennis world awaits confirmation of Djokovic’s participation in the lead-up tournaments to Roland-Garros, with his health status being a key factor in determining his readiness for the challenge of competing for another French Open title.