MIAMI – World No. 1 Novak Djokovic has said that he needs a “balance” when it comes to playing tournaments, as he withdrew from this week’s ATP-WTA Miami Open in the wake of his shock early exit at Indian Wells.
The 36-year-old Serbian star said on social media on March 17 that he had opted to skip Miami for scheduling reasons, most notably because of his age.
“Unfortunately I won’t be playing the @MiamiOpen this year,” he announced on X.
“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 forward to competing in Miami in future!”
Djokovic has won the Miami Open six times, with his most recent title in 2016.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion returned to play the early season US hard-court swing at Indian Wells in California, only to suffer a third-round loss on March 11 to lowly ranked Italian Luca Nardi.
He had said after that defeat that he still planned to play in Miami – the main draw starts on March 20 – despite the loss.
“Miami is there, so let’s see. I do play fewer tournaments, so I’m more selective with my schedule. I really wanted to come and I really enjoy being both in Indian Wells and Miami,” Djokovic said.
Miami will not happen now for him, and he did not give any indication of where he next expects to play. Djokovic, who won three Grand Slams last season except for Wimbledon where Carlos Alcaraz triumphed, will bid to capture his first 2024 trophy during the ATP Tour's clay-court swing.
He is still going strong even though he may be waning. His “Big Three” rival, the retired Roger Federer, hailed Djokovic for his longevity last week.
The Swiss great saw some of his records broken by Djokovic, the main one being his initial record of 20 Slam victories, now also surpassed by the soon-to-retire Rafael Nadal (22).
Djokovic has also more weeks as world No. 1 and finished as the year-end No. 1 more times, while he has seven Wimbledon titles, one away from equalling Federer’s mark.
“I mean obviously you’re aware when they’re in the finals or you’re aware when Rafa comes back or you’re aware when Novak breaks another record,” the 42-year-old Federer told GQ Magazine, adding: “It’s all good, you know?
“Obviously I’ve followed it (Djokovic and Nadal’s games) and I love to see that, especially Novak’s been going from strength to strength. It keeps on going.
“And Rafa obviously, I felt sad for him that he has not been able to play nearly as much... I hope that he can do what he wants to do in the summer, I still am very hopeful that he can get back on the train and ride it.” REUTERS, AFP
