Novak Djokovic withdraws from Monte Carlo Masters with shoulder injury
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next month’s Monte Carlo Masters as the 24-time Grand Slam champion continues to manage an ongoing shoulder injury.
Organisers for the prestigious clay-court tournament confirmed the news via social media, sending the Serbian their best wishes for a swift recovery.
The veteran has been hampered by forearm and shoulder issues for several months.
This persistent problem recently forced him to skip the Miami Open in a bid to prioritise his long-term fitness.
Indian Wells struggles
The former world number one did compete at Indian Wells earlier in March.
However, his campaign in California ended prematurely with a round-of-16 defeat by Great Britain’s Jack Draper.
During that tournament, the tennis icon admitted he was experiencing significant discomfort when his arm cooled down between service games.
“I’ve been struggling the last couple of weeks with that forearm and trying to go through,” he told the Tennis Channel.
“If I don’t serve for five or six minutes, then I feel like the first couple of serves of that game are a bit painful. I’m working through it.”
Focus shifts to summer Grand Slams
By stepping away from the Monte Carlo event, the Belgrade native appears to be conserving his energy for the gruelling summer schedule.
Major targets like the French Open at Roland Garros and the grass courts of Wimbledon loom on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Carlos Alcaraz will be looking to defend his title in Monaco when the tournament begins on 4 April.
The young Spaniard is expected to face stiff competition from a stacked field that includes Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev.
