By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Six-time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament, citing the balance between his private and professional schedule.
The 36-year-old Serbian star said in a statement on social media he had opted to skip Miami for scheduling reasons.
“Unfortunately I won’t be playing the @MiamiOpen this year,” Djokovic announced on X, formerly Twitter.
“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.
Hi Miami!
Unfortunately I won’t be playing the @MiamiOpen this year. 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 fw competing in MI in future!— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) March 16, 2024
“I’m looking fw competing in MI in future!”
The 24-time Grand Slam champion returned to play the early season US hardcourt swing at Indian Wells in California, only to suffer a shock third-round exit on Monday to lowly ranked Italian Luca Nardi.
Nardi, who is ranked No 123, became the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.
Djokovic’s statement on Saturday gave no indication of where he next expects to play.