Novak Djokovic confirms withdrawal from 2024 Miami Open to ‘balance private and professional schedule’

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Miami Open as the Serbian says he is “balancing his private and professional schedule”.

The world No. 1 took to social media on Saturday to confirm his withdrawal from the upcoming tournament, which gets underway on Tuesday, March 19.

“Hi Miami! Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Miami Open this year,” Djokovic wrote on X.

“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule. I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world.

“I’m looking fw [forward] competing in MI [Miami] in future!”

Djokovic has had a disappointing start to the year after coming agonisingly close to a clean sweep of Grand Slam titles last season.

Following his appearance in January’s United Cup where he lost to Alex de Minaur in the quarter-finals as Serbia crashed out, Djokovic featured at the Australian Open and Indian Wells.

After his trio of major titles in 2023, he failed to defend his status as champion in Melbourne when he lost to eventual winner Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, afterwards labelling it “one of the worst Grand Slam matches” of his career.

The 36-year-old won seven titles last year, losing only seven matches in one of his most dominant campaigns across a career spanning 20 years.

The draw for the Miami Open will take place on Monday, March 18 ahead of the tournament at the Hard Rock Stadium complex.

Daniil Medvedev will look to defend his crown and will headline the men’s draw alongside 2022 champion and world No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz.

Australian Open champion Sinner will look to clinch the title for the first time after two runners-up finishes, while Hubert Hurkacz, Andy Murray and Matteo Berrettini are all set to feature.