Novak Djokovic Confirmed To Make First Madrid Open Appearance In Three Years
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Novak Djokovic's want to play more tournaments in 2025 compared to recent years has been demonstrated again by his commitment to competing at the 2025 Madrid Open.
Understandably, Djokovic cares most about winning the four Grand Slams. While that is the case for all top players, the Serbian's shift in focus to the major tournaments in the last few years has been particularly notable.
Prioritizing Grand Slams led to him skipping many tournaments in recent years, including several Masters 1000 titles. For example, Djokovic had not competed at the Miami Open since 2019 until his appearance at the ongoing iteration of the tournament.
Djokovic did not play in Madrid in 2023 or 2024. The 24-time Grand Slam champion felt that appearing in three ATP Masters 1000 events before the French Open would be too heavy and the wrong approach.
However, Djokovic does not feel that way anymore. The Madrid Open's social media pages excitedly announced his involvement at the tournament, which he has won three times, most recently in 2019.
"This will mark Novak Djokovic's 13th appearance in Madrid, having first competed there in 2006, when he began his long and fruitful journey with a victory over Richard Gasquet. Since then, he has claimed the trophy three times (2011, 2016, 2019), amassing an impressive 30-9 record at the tournament. See you soon, Nole!"
Announcements like this for tournaments such as the Madrid Open are highly unusual since they are technically mandatory events for top players. That means organizers do not usually feel the need to confirm a significant name is competing.
Legends of the sport, like Djokovic, get more leeway and do not face any punishments if they miss mandatory tournaments because of everything they have given to tennis. The same was true during Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal's careers.
The Madrid Open's announcement also proves how common it has been for Djokovic to skip tournaments in recent years. Therefore, organizers understandably felt that confirming his presence could boost ticket sales.
Djokovic plans to work with his coach, Andy Murray, until at least the end of the clay court season. The former on-court rivals began their collaboration at the 2025 Australian Open and seemed to enjoy it.
The ten-time Australian Open winner's 2025 run in Melbourne included a terrific quarterfinal triumph against Carlos Alcaraz. Unfortunately, he had to retire from his semifinal against Alexander Zverev with an injury.
Murray decided to stay as Djokovic's coach after taking some time to consider his feelings. The Briton is currently with him at the Miami Open, the 37-year-old's final tournament before the clay court season.
Although Murray is clearly passionate about helping Djokovic, he is probably relieved that the clay court events in Monte-Carlo, Madrid, Rome, and Paris are much closer to where the Briton lives, making it easier for him and his family.
Djokovic will hope they can win a Grand Slam together. He failed to secure a major title in 2024, the first time that had happened in a calendar year since 2017, which might have influenced his decision to hire Murray and play more tournaments in 2025.
