Novak Djokovic confirms withdrawal from 2024 Miami Open to ‘balance private and professional schedule’

ByBen Southby

Published 16/03/2024 at 14:17 GMT

Novak Djokovic has ruled himself out of the Miami Open after his second-round exit at Indian Wells. The 36-year-old confirmed the news in a post on X, where he said he was "balancing my private and professional schedule". Djokovic has had a difficult start to the season, losing his status as Australian Open champion before suffering a shock defeat to No. 123-ranked Luca Nardi at 'Tennis Paradise'.

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Miami Open as the Serbian says he is “balancing his private and professional schedule”.

The world No. 1 took to social media on Saturday to confirm his withdrawal from the upcoming tournament, which gets underway on Tuesday, March 19.

“Hi Miami! Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Miami Open this year,” Djokovic wrote on X.

ATP Rome

Nadal: Murray was the only player close to level of Federer, Djokovic and myself

7 hours ago

“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world.

“I’m looking fw [forward] competing in MI [Miami] in future!”

Djokovic has had a disappointing start to the year after coming agonisingly close to a clean sweep of Grand Slam titles last season.

Following his appearance in January’s United Cup where he lost to Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals as Serbia crashed out, Djokovic featured at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

After his trio of major titles in 2023, he failed to defend his status as champion in Melbourne when he lost to eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, afterwards labelling it “one of the worst Grand Slam matches” of his career.

Djokovic then exited Indian Wells in the second round on Tuesday after a shock defeat to No. 123-ranked lucky loser Luca Nardi in what the Serbian described as a “very poor performance”.

Djokovic stunned by lucky loser Nardi in huge upset - Indian Wells highlights

The 36-year-old won seven titles last year, losing only seven matches in one of his most dominant campaigns across a career spanning 20 years.

• Alcaraz, Sinner 'already announcing themselves' as 'superstars,' says Federer
• ‘That one was personal’ - Federer on the dying art of the one-handed backhand
• Swiatek downs Kostyuk in Indian Wells semi, Sakkari shocks Gauff to reach final

The draw for the Miami Open will take place on Monday, March 18 ahead of the tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium complex.

Daniil Medvedev will look to defend his crown and will headline the men’s draw alongside 2022 champion and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.

Australian Open champion Sinner will look to clinch the title for the first time after two runners-up finishes, while Hubert Hurkacz, Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini are all set to feature.

- - -

Stream top tennis action, including the 2024 French Open, live on discovery+, the Eurosport app and at eurosport.com

ATP Rome

Are Nadal, Alcaraz, Djokovic playing Italian Open? When does it start?

06/05/2024 at 13:10

Olympic Games Paris 2024

Djokovic hoping to find 'best level' as he talks Olympic, French Open ambitions

23/04/2024 at 08:41

Tennis

Madrid Open: Are Nadal, Djokovic, Alcaraz and Raducanu playing?

24/04/2024 at 08:40