Novak Djokovic has pulled out Of Miami Open following his shock defeat in Indian Wells. He wants to shift his focus to preparing for the clay-court season.
The world No. 1 seemed poised to make a comeback at the ATP Masters 1000 event. It would have been his first appearance in Miami for the first time since 2016. However, this news will disappoint fans who were eagerly anticipating the opportunity to watch the tennis legend in South Florida.
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Shortly after the conclusion of Indian Wells on Sunday March 17, the 2024 Miami Open will be held from March 20-31. The ‘Joker‘ has won the ATP Masters 1000 event in Miami six times. He is the joint-record holder of this feat with fellow icon Andre Agassi, an eight-time Grand Slam champion.
The Serbian had not appeared in the ‘Sunshine Double’ events in Indian Wells and Miami for eight years. However, he made his comeback at the former earlier this month.
Djokovic endured an appalling three-set defeat to 20-year-old Luca Nardi. The world No 123, Italian beat him the third round of the Indian Wells Masters on 12 March, 2024 Tuesday.
According to reports from Serbian journalist Sasa Ozmo of Sport Klub, it has been confirmed that Djokovic has decided. He has chosen not to compete in Miami after his early exit in the Californian desert.
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Djokovic Reflects on Rare Title Drought and Uncertain Miami Participation
Djokovic was critical of his own display following his loss to to Nardi in Indian Wells. Novak admitted that not winning a title yet this year is a new experience for him.
“I could have done everything different. I mean, as I said, very poor performance from my side,” he said in his press conference.
“No titles this year. That’s not something I’m used to. I was starting the season most of my career with a Grand Slam win or, you know, Dubai win, or any or tournament.“
“It’s fine. You know, it’s part of the sport. You just have to accept it. Some you win; some you lose. Hopefully I’ll win some more and still keep going.”
“I guess every trophy that eventually comes my way is going to be great (smiling), obviously to break the kind of negative cycle a little bit I’m having in the last three, four tournaments where I haven’t really been close to my best.”
Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion did not affirm whether he would play in Miami straightaway after losing to Nardi and said he needed time to reflect as he was “still hot-headed.”
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