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Is Novak Djokovic Playing at the ATP Mutua Madrid Open 2021?
The clay-court swing will move on to the ATP 250 tournaments – the Estoril Open in Portugal and BMW Open in Germany. Correspondingly, the second Masters 1000 clay tournament, Mutua Madrid Open 2021, also begins tomorrow. The question at hand is whether Serbian World No. 1 Novak Djokovic will play in Madrid.
For the first time since 2005, Djokovic lost on his home turf against Australian Open semifinalist Aslan Karatsev in the Serbia Open semifinal. In his post-match interview, the Serb raised some doubts regarding his participation in Madrid.
Novak Djokovic reiterates the importance of the French Open 2021
The 33-year-old Novak Djokovic got a dream start to his 2021 campaign, claiming his record-extending ninth Australian Open title. Following that, he slumped early in his next two tournaments against Dan Evans in Monte-Carlo and Aslan Karatsev in Belgrade.
However, the biggest goal of the clay season, the French Open 2021, is still up for grabs. But Novak realizes that a lot more preparation is duly required from him to improve his chances in Paris.
“Roland Garros still stays the main focus for me,” Djokovic said. “I have to play much better than I did today or Monte-Carlo. There’s much work ahead of me. Hopefully, it can be beneficial when it matters the most in Paris.”
Although Novak is still on the entry list of Madrid, he might choose to take a break and analyze his shortcomings. Moreover, he even disclosed that he has plans for playing in Belgrade again before the French Open.
“It was a good week and a successful tournament in general for us, for Serbia Open… I will hopefully play in four or five weeks again. That’s the plan. So let’s see if it happens, but Roland Garros is the goal. That’s where I want to play my best,” he added.
Unquestionably, the Serbian will be figuring out his calendar ahead of Paris since he no doubt knows that the following month is vital in preparations for Roland Garros.
Read More: Who Owns the Madrid Open?
What is at stake for Djokovic in the Madrid Open 2021?
Most significantly, the Serbian ace has 1000 ranking points at stake in both Madrid and Rome. Thus, it would be interesting to see if he opts out of Madrid, for starters. Also, Rafael Nadal has regained his World No. 2 spot after triumphing in the Barcelona Open 2021 and will aim to move further ahead in Madrid and Rome.
Fans will be excited to see Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal take on each other on courts again. They could make up for the lost opportunity of Monte-Carlo and make a clash happen at the Madrid Open 2021. Fans should soon have an official answer about the Serb’s participation.
How excited are you for the upcoming Madrid Open 2021?
Also Read: Is Roger Federer Playing at the ATP Mutua Madrid Open 2021?
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