Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Monte-Carlo Masters, ending his 15-year streak of participation since 2011. The 38-year-old, a two-time champion at the event, has not played since a fourth-round loss at the BNP Paribas Open two weeks ago. Officials cited no specific reason, though speculation points to a right shoulder issue.
The Monte-Carlo Masters organizers confirmed Djokovic's withdrawal via Instagram Stories, stating, “We send him our best wishes and hope to see him back on court very soon.” This marks the first time the Serbian has missed the clay-court event in Monaco since 2011, where he first began competing regularly after debuting in 2006 against Roger Federer as an 18-year-old. Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, skipped the Miami Open due to what many speculate is a right shoulder injury. His last match was a three-set defeat to Jack Draper in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open. Last year, he lost his opening match in Monte Carlo to Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets, meaning he will drop only five ranking points from this absence. Djokovic holds two Monte Carlo titles, from 2013 and 2015. He is expected to return at the Madrid Open, scheduled from April 22 to May 3, where he also defends just five points, or possibly the Italian Open ahead of the French Open. The tournament will now be headlined by Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev. Former British No. 1 Tim Henman voiced uncertainty about Djokovic's clay schedule, telling Sky Sports Tennis: “I will be very interested to see how much he plays on the clay. That is the most physically demanding surface. Will he play something before the French? Will he play the French at all? Will he just focus on the grass? Who knows. I can see a scenario where he doesn’t play in Paris, but let’s see.” Djokovic recently affirmed his drive at the BNP Paribas Open: “I’m still competitive. I still have that edge, and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it.”
