Feliciano Lopez Shares Crucial Update on Novak Djokovic After Monte Carlo Withdrawl

Novak Djokovic hasn't played since losing against Jack Draper at Indian Wells.

Feliciano Lopez Shares Crucial Update on Novak Djokovic After Monte Carlo Withdrawl

Novak Djokovic and Feliciano Lopez (via X/Novak Djokovic/Sky Sports)

In Short
  • Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Monte Carlo Masters to focus on the Madrid Open.
  • Tournament director Feliciano Lopez confirms Djokovic is eager to compete in Madrid.
  • Djokovic aims to peak for Roland Garros, prioritizing stamina over early-season clay preparation.

When a player holds 24 Grand Slam titles and is staring down his 39th birthday, the traditional ATP calendar becomes less of a mandatory schedule and more of a mild suggestion. Novak Djokovic has officially pulled the plug on his appearance at the upcoming Monte Carlo Masters.

While the tennis world loves to hit the panic button every time the legendary Serbian skips a Masters 1000 event, this is hardly a red-alert situation. Instead, it is a masterclass in load management from a star who knows exactly how much gas is left in his tank.

He is trading Monaco’s scenic ocean views for Spain’s high altitude. It is because the Madrid Open is calling, and tournament director Feliciano Lopez has made it abundantly clear that Djokovic is packing his bags for the Spanish capital.

Lopez, the former player turned Madrid Open tournament director, recently hopped on Radio Nacional Spain to give fans the update they were desperately waiting for. According to Lopez, Djokovic is highly motivated to make his return to the Caja Magica.

I was told that he is very eager to play Madrid. What I believe is that he wants to come, so in the clay court season, it is one of his priorities, obviously after Roland Garros.

Lopez knows a thing or two about the veteran grind, having played well into his late thirties himself. When Lopez says Djokovic is “keen,” it means that the world No. 4 is currently in a hyperbaric chamber somewhere, plotting his plans for clay.

The strategy behind Novak Djokovic skipping Monte Carlo

Novak Djokovic has only laced up his sneakers for two tournaments so far in the 2026 season. He made his customary deep run at the Australian Open back in January, falling just short in the final.

Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic (Image via X/#AusOpen)

Then came a rather pedestrian—by his alien standards, anyway—fourth-round exit at Indian Wells against Jack Draper. After that, he casually bypassed the Miami Open. Now, he is bypassing Monte Carlo.

For any other player, missing this much early-season clay-court prep would be professional sabotage. For Djokovic, it is simply survival of the fittest.

He is managing the latter stage of his career with a clear focus on longevity, building toward peak form for the French Open. At this point, pushing through early April clay events offers limited value for a body that has already endured two decades at the highest level.

A crucial test before Paris

Make no mistake, Madrid is not just a vacation for Novak Djokovic. It is a high-stakes proving ground. Last year, he suffered a shocking defeat to Matteo Arnaldi in the Spanish capital. He is a proud competitor, and that 2025 loss likely still stings. He wants to remind the locker room, especially young guns like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, that the old dog still has plenty of bite.

Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner
Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner (Image via X/AllAboutHQ, Jannik Sinner HQ)

Djokovic has hoisted the trophy in Madrid three times (2011, 2016, and 2019). He knows the courts, he knows the crowd, and he knows how to win there. With Roland Garros looming large in May, Madrid starting on April 20, followed by the Italian Open, will serve as the ultimate barometer for his game.

Will he show up with a little rust? Probably. But counting out Djokovic is the single worst bet one can make in sports history. He is bypassing the early reps to ensure he has the stamina for a two-week war in Paris.

Feliciano Lopez is ready to welcome him. The fans are ready to watch him. Now, the fans will just have to wait and see if the 24-time major champion can conquer the clay one more time.

Also Read: Jannik Sinner Revisits Training Session with Simona Halep in Dubai Last Year: “It Was Wonderful, Full of Emotions”