The Miami Open has drawn fan backlash for excluding six-time champion Novak Djokovic from a promotional graphic of past winners. The image, posted on March 15, 2026, featured recent champions despite Djokovic's withdrawal from the tournament due to a right shoulder injury. Supporters highlighted his record amid the omission.
On March 15, 2026, the Miami Open shared a promotional post on social media stating, 'The trophy is waiting. Who’s taking it home this year?' alongside a graphic depicting the last seven winners of the men's singles title. Notably absent was Novak Djokovic, who has secured the title six times—in 2007, 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, and 2016—tying Andre Agassi's record. He also finished as runner-up in 2009 and 2025, losing the latter to Jakub Mensik in straight-set tie-breakers. His 2007 victory marked his first ATP Masters 1000 title and made him the youngest men's champion at age 19 at the time. Djokovic debuted in the Sunshine Double (Indian Wells and Miami Open) in 2006 and competed annually until 2016, winning Indian Wells five times, a mark tied with Roger Federer. This marks his sixth withdrawal from Miami in the past decade, following a right shoulder injury; he reached the fourth round at Indian Wells recently, only his second such appearance in 10 years. James Blake, tournament director since 2018 and credited with moving the event to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, has not commented. Fans flooded the comments: 'Where is Djokovic? Ridiculous.' Another wrote, 'Astonishing that you’ve omitted the 6x record breaking champion Novak Djokovic from this. Cc. @JRBlake.' Some speculated it was intentional for buzz: 'Oh i see what you did here! Nice viral thing.' Others noted retired players' inclusion: 'You forgot your (still active) record holder and included retired players. Rude.' The tournament has not responded publicly.
