Novak Djokovic news confirmed as surprise announcement leaves tennis fans saddened
The World No.1 has confirmed his plans for the next few weeks, leaving tennis fans disappointed.
Tennis fans hoping to see Novak Djokovic back in action soon have had their hopes dashed, with the World No.1 confirming he's skipping the Miami Open. Djokovic rarely plays both legs of the 'Sunshine Double' - Indian Wells and Miami - but his loss in the third round at Indian Wells sparked speculation he'd play in Miami as well.
The 24-time grand slam champion hadn't played since the Australian Open before heading to Indian Wells this week, and the lack of match practice appeared to catch up to him. He suffered a shock 4-6 6-3 3-6 loss to 'lucky loser' Luca Nardi, who was only promoted to the main draw after an injury.
It marked the first time in Djokovic's glittering career that he's lost to a 'lucky loser'. At World No.123, Nardi is the lowest-ranked player Djokovic has ever lost to at an ATP 1000 event.
Tennis fans saddened Novak Djokovic not playing Miami Open
Djokovic only played two matches at Indian Wells and hasn't played much at all so far this year, leading to speculation he would enter the Miami Open next week. But on Thursday it was first reported that the Serbian star won't be playing in Miami and has opted to end his hard-court season.
The 36-year-old confirmed the news on Saturday, saying: "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."
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Djokovic has cut back his schedule in recent years in order to spend more time with his family, including his two young kids Tara and Stefan. Nevertheless, tennis fans were saddened to hear he won't be playing in Miami.
Djokovic is likely to turn his attention to the clay-court swing and is expected to be back in action at the Monte Carlo Masters at the start of April. Speaking after his loss to Nardi, Djokovic left the door ajar to play in Miami.
“For the moment, Miami is there, so let’s see," he said. "Obviously 10 minutes ago I was on the court, so I’m still hot-headed a bit. I need to take a day or two and then see what I want to do next.
"I do play fewer tournaments so I’m more selective with my schedule. Of course, it’s not a great feeling when you drop out very early in the tournament and especially here, I haven’t played five years. I really wanted to do well but wasn’t meant to be. We move on.”
Very sad we will miss you💔
— Muhammad Usama (@usama_ch17) March 16, 2024
So sad to read this, hopefully you’ll be back stronger to prepare for Rolland Garros
— Azeez Adams (@AdamsOmoboriowo) March 16, 2024
Sensible decision. 😊 enjoy family time
— Puneet (@TennisPuneet) March 16, 2024
Djokovic puts way too much pressure on himself. It would’ve been nice to see him play at Miami Open.
— ruthie 🧁 (@ruthiedechelles) March 14, 2024
Smart decision. IW was a test for Novak, where he is currently. He and his team have feedback and need to define the problems and work on them intensively in privacy and silence.
— Novak Goat 2⃣4⃣ (@novak_goat) March 14, 2024
I find it all a bit intriguing... if not a little bizarre. He'd not competed since Jan, and now he'll take time "to rest" and prepare. He did look out of breath/energy in California. Like someone still recuperating from a respiratory infection or some other ailment? 🤷🏻♀️ We'll see.
— Sophie 💙💛 (@sofiainlondon09) March 14, 2024
totally a good idea given the sluggish way he's playing right now. i still can't believe he's been beaten by Nardi
— Μ Δ Ж (@MR_Max75) March 14, 2024
Sucks for fans
— Sinner Nguyen (@supra_manu) March 14, 2024
Damn. Was going try and go. Oh well happy I sacked up and went to the US Open last year to finally see him play live.
— JD (@Hogierolls) March 14, 2024
When players like Federer, Nadal, Djokovic do not play it's because they have good reasons.
You don't win 20 or more Slams if your mentality is to run from competition.— Flavietto99 🇮🇹 ☮️ (RAFA 22 🏆) (@FlavioBert899) March 14, 2024
Novak Djokovic in unfamiliar situation after Indian Wells loss
Speaking after his loss to Nardi, Djokovic lamented the amount of errors he made. "He really didn't have anything to lose, so he played great. Deserved to win," he said.
"I was more surprised with my level. My level was really, really bad. These two things come together. He's having a great day, I'm having a really bad day. I made some really terrible unforced errors.
"Just quite defensive tennis and not much on the ball in the third, and that's it. He just stepped in and he used the time that he had. He was playing more free and more aggressive than I did, and going for his shots and that break on 3-2 in the third was enough."
Djokovic lost to Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals of the Australian Open, meaning he hasn't won a title so far in 2024. It's not a position the 24-time major winner is used to being in.
"I was starting the season most of my career with a grand slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any tournament," he said. "I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great, 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."
with AAP