Novak Djokovic set a new record by winning the first three Masters 1000 series titles this year in Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo. The world no.1 will not extend his dominant run to the first four events after opting to withdraw from next week’s Mutua Madrid Open.
Djokovic, who has long made no secret that his overriding aim in 2015 is to finally win the French Open title and complete his set of Grand Slam trophies, has taken the decision that rest is more important than more clay court matches and another trophy in Madrid where he was champion in 2011.
The 27 year-old has no points to defend after missing last year’s Madrid event because of an injured wrist and the previous year he lost in his initial match at the Caja Magica against Grigor Dimitrov.
According to a statement on the Madrid tournament website: “Novak will take time out to rest before continuing with his planned calendar at the Rome and Roland Garros tournaments.”
Bob Larson’s Tennis News understands Djokovic’s representatives told Madrid chief executive Gerard Tsobanian and tournament director Manuel Santana that the reigning Wimbledon, ATP World Tour Finals and Australian Open champion feels too fatigued to contemplate playing and does not want to risk his chances at Roland Garros where play begins in three and a half weeks time. The Serb most certainly intends to defend his title at Rome’s Internazionale BNL d’Italia beginning May 10.
Djokovic is within his rights on two counts as the ATP World Tour rules decree players who have spent more than 12 years on their circuit or have amassed more than 600 matches can miss otherwise mandatory tournaments without penalty.
With Roger Federer also opting out of the Madrid event, Andy Murray will be top seed with defending champion Rafael Nadal second seed in front of Barcelona champion Kei Nishikori.
Story via Bob Larson tennis News service
Topics: French Open, Novak Djokovic, Roland Garros, Tennis
-@DjokerNole WILL PREPARE FOR #FrenchOpen #TENNIS BY RESTING?- http://t.co/Bh787pb7nm @rolandgarros #Djokovic #rolandgarros2015 #idemo