Novak Djokovic at the Laureus World Sports Awards
This week in Madrid, Novak Djokovic made an appearance not as a competitor but as a co-host at the revered Laureus World Sports Awards alongside Olympic athlete Eileen Gu and journalist Amanda Davis.
Injury Update
The 38-year-old Serbian tennis icon took a moment on the red carpet to share insights into his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury that has kept him out of competition.
“I have an injury, and I hope to be ready at least for Roland Garros,”
he revealed to Eurosport and Teledeporte, expressing uncertainty about returning for the upcoming Rome Masters due to the unpredictable nature of his recovery.
While Djokovic’s hopes for participation in the Italian Open are still alive, his comments suggested a cautious approach, with more realistic expectations set for the French Open commencing on May 24.
Recent Withdrawals
Djokovic is currently grappling with a right shoulder issue he sustained during his fourth-round exit to Jack Draper at Indian Wells back in March. Since that setback, he has had to withdraw from four tournaments, including the Miami Open, Monte Carlo Masters, Barcelona Open, and most recently, the Madrid Open. Just days before the tournament, he communicated his inability to compete via social media, stating,
“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete this year. I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon. Hasta pronto!”
His withdrawal was particularly disappointing for the Madrid event, where he has enjoyed substantial success, boasting three titles and a significant fan following in Spain. Nevertheless, recent training sessions on clay at the Puente Romano club in Marbella indicate he has made some progress in his recovery.
Positive Mindset
Despite the unsettling injury period, his participation at the Laureus awards highlighted a more positive mindset. Djoker expressed how much he enjoys the event, appreciating the chance to mingle with legends from various sports.
“This event is one of my favourites because I have the opportunity to interact with all the legends of other sports,”
Djokovic reflected.
Looking Ahead
With only two competitive outings in 2026 so far — a finals appearance at the Australian Open and a quick exit in Indian Wells — he is facing considerable pressure, especially with his ranking at risk. Djokovic currently sits at fourth in the ATP rankings, with only ten points to defend before the French Open, putting him at potential jeopardy as competitors like Ben Shelton and Felix Auger-Aliassime loom closely behind.
As his focus shifts to Roland Garros, the upcoming weeks will be crucial for Djokovic to regain his match readiness and secure his seeding position heading into one of the most prestigious tournaments on the tennis calendar.
