Novak Djokovic is yet to play on the clay this season, and the likelihood of that changing remains uncertain.
After all, this is by far the most gruelling surface, demanding patience and incredible physical performance to outlast your opponent throughout plenty of long rallies.
Back in the day, this would have been music to Novak Djokovic’s ears. It’s understandable that now, at 39 years old, he is not quite so keen.
Alas, we still expect him to appear on the dirt at some point, if not at least to get some competitive minutes in the tank ahead of Roland Garros.
Whilst many looked to the Madrid Open as the obvious event to expect his re-appearance, recent comments have thrown that suggestion into doubt.
Novak Djokovic delivers worrying fitness update
Having opted against playing in Monte Carlo, already Djokovic had snubbed one of the biggest clay-court tournaments of the season.
He had laid down a marker that his new, reduced-schedule mindset meant no event was safe from his absence.
Will Novak Djokovic play any events on clay this year?
He could skip clay entirely…
Seeking to find that balance between playing competitively and starting to enjoy his life, the Serbian has been spotted all over in 2026, but most recently actually in Madrid.
There to watch Real Madrid Basketball at the Movistar Arena, Djokovic was actually briefly interviewed whilst at the event, watching his countryman Luka Doncic play.
Asked about his fitness, he offered a rather worrying and brief update, admitting: “I hope I can participate. I’m dealing with some physical problems, and I’m not sure yet if I’ll be able to compete, but I’m going to try.”
What makes the likelihood of him snubbing Madrid even more likely is the fact that Djokovic claims he is no longer motivated by wins in tennis. His ambitions have arguably transcended the sport.
How Novak Djokovic has been looking in practice ahead of the Madrid Open
Contrary to his very own claims, positive footage of Djokovic practising in Marbella has actually recently emerged, published on the Puente Romano Instagram story to confirm his presence.
Although only a short video, it shows him rallying from the back of a clay court, exchanging both forehand and backhand strokes as he scampers for some shots.
His movement and groundstrokes both look smooth and unencumbered, suggesting that his physical problems could hopefully not be as bad as he has claimed.
Fans will hope to see him make a full recovery ahead of Madrid, given he has not played an ATP Tour-level match since his loss to Jack Draper in Indian Wells back in early March.
