Novak Djokovic is gearing up for another significant run at the Madrid Open, with his sights set firmly on history, while the absence of Andy Murray is expected to have little bearing on the Serbian’s title ambitions. The tournament, one of the key fixtures in the ATP clay court calendar, marks a crucial preparatory step for the French Open, and Djokovic appears laser-focused on maximizing his momentum heading into Roland Garros.
Andy Murray, a three-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, withdrew from the Madrid Open due to ongoing fitness concerns. The 36-year-old Briton has been plagued by injuries throughout recent seasons, with his metal hip and recurring niggles consistently forcing him out of high-level competition. While his presence always brings a mix of nostalgia and gritty competition, Murray’s absence this year has been met with understanding rather than surprise.
Djokovic, however, remains unfazed. When asked about Murray’s withdrawal during a media session, the world number one acknowledged his rival’s importance to the sport but insisted that it would not affect his own path.
“Andy is a warrior, a true competitor, and someone I have shared so many great battles with,” Djokovic said. “But my focus is on my game. Whether Andy is here or not doesn’t change how I prepare or perform. I wish him the best, but my goals remain the same.”
Those goals include equaling and potentially surpassing Rafael Nadal’s record at the Madrid Open. Djokovic currently has three titles in the Spanish capital, having triumphed in 2011, 2016, and 2019. A fourth crown would elevate him into elite company and add another chapter to his illustrious clay court career. Nadal, the undisputed King of Clay, holds five Madrid titles, but with the Spaniard also battling fitness issues and potentially sitting out the event, Djokovic sees a clear opportunity to extend his dominance.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been one of calculated progression. Though not as explosive as in past years, his performances have been consistent, with deep runs in the Australian Open and solid showings at the Monte Carlo Masters. At 37, the Serbian icon is adjusting his schedule to preserve energy for the majors while still targeting key trophies like Madrid.
“I’m always looking at how to improve and stay at the top,” Djokovic explained. “Madrid has a unique altitude and faster clay, which suits my game. It’s different from Rome or Paris, but it’s a place where I’ve always felt good energy from the crowd and confidence in my movement.”
Djokovic’s road to potential glory will not be without challenges. Rising stars such as Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, and Holger Rune are all expected to feature in Madrid, each with their own aspirations of cementing their status as heirs to the Big Three legacy. Alcaraz, in particular, will enjoy the advantage of home support and already boasts two Madrid titles of his own. The 21-year-old Spaniard could pose a serious threat if he enters the draw in form.
Still, Djokovic remains the man to beat. His unparalleled experience, mental fortitude, and strategic acumen make him a perennial favorite, regardless of the surface. The Madrid Open offers him not only a shot at another trophy but also a chance to build crucial clay-court rhythm ahead of his quest for a third Roland Garros crown.
The tournament will also mark a test of Djokovic’s ongoing adaptation to life as the sport’s elder statesman. While he remains at the top of the rankings, the physical grind of back-to-back matches on clay requires a fine balance of endurance and explosiveness — a formula Djokovic has long mastered, but one that becomes harder to execute with age.
“Every year I learn something new about my body, my game, and my mind,” he said. “I feel prepared, and I know what it takes to win here. That’s what I’m aiming for again.”
Though fans may miss the familiar sight of Djokovic and Murray sharing the same stage — a rivalry that has defined the past two decades of tennis — the Serbian’s pursuit of history in Madrid remains one of the most compelling narratives of the clay season. Whether it’s adding another trophy to his immense collection or using the tournament as a springboard toward Paris, Novak Djokovic is not just competing — he’s chasing legacy.
As the Madrid Open unfolds, one thing is clear: Djokovic’s eyes are firmly on the prize, and with or without his longtime rival in the mix, the Serbian champion is ready to write yet another chapter in his incredible tennis story.
