Djokovic To Sit Out Madrid Open Over 'Upgrade' Claim

World No.1 Novak Djokovic will not travel to defend his Madrid Open title next week as he decided against travelling for the ATP Masters 1000 event, the organizers announced on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old was last seen in action on his home soil at the Serbia Open last week, where he reached the semifinals before losing to Russia's Aslan Karatsev.

"Sorry that I won't be able to travel to Madrid this year and meet all my fans," Djokovic said in a message shared by the Madrid Open organisers.

"It's been two years already, quite a long time. Hope to see you all next year!".

READ ALSO: Djokovic Admits 'Need For Upgrade' After Defeat To Karatsev

The COVID-19 pandemic had forced the 2020 edition of the Madrid Open to be cancelled, which means 2019 winner Djokovic is still the last champion at the event.

After losing in the French Open which was his second loss in a row, the Serbian admitted he would need an upgrade and he might be taking his time to see if he could rediscover his stride.

READ ALSO: Evans Dumps Djokovic Out Of Monte Carlo, Nadal Progresses

Djokovic is still expected to feature at next month's Rome Masters and Belgrade Open in the lead-up to the claycourt major in Paris, which begins on 30 May.