Djokovic, present at the Madrid tournament: "I’d like to find my best tennis here or in Paris"

Novak Djokovic is in Madrid. The Serbian, a three-time winner of this Masters 1000 event in 2011, 2016, and 2019, will compete in the Spanish capital for the first time since 2022.

While he could have faced Carlos Alcaraz in the semifinals, the former world No. 1 learned in recent hours that the current world No. 3 has withdrawn due to an adductor injury sustained during the Barcelona final.

This absence further opens up the draw. But for Djokovic, the primary goal will first be to rediscover his best form on clay, after falling in straight sets in his opening match in Monte-Carlo against Alejandro Tabilo. He will face Borna Coric or Matteo Arnaldi in the second round in Madrid.

"I’m always optimistic, but I don’t know if I’m among the favorites here in Madrid, given the poor results I’ve had so far this season.

I’d like to find my best tennis here or in Paris (for Roland-Garros), but I’d really love to bring my best to the Caja Mágica. I always feel good vibes here in Madrid and in Spain in general. It’s a country I love.

I’ve won Madrid three times, playing incredible matches against Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz over the last six or seven years, and I’ve really missed the Spanish crowd.

They know and respect our sport a lot, I have a great feeling here, and I hope I can go all the way. If I didn’t have motivation, I wouldn’t still be on the tour. I still hope to remain competitive in Grand Slam tournaments," he told Super Tennis.