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ATP Madrid: Djokovic withdraws due to fatigue

By Geoff Nichols

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ATP Madrid: Djokovic withdraws due to fatigue

News filtering out from the Djokovic camp suggests the the world number 1 will miss the upcoming Madrid Masters due to fatigue. If this decision is confirmed, it is most likely that the Serb is switching his focus to the French Open, the only Grand Slam he is yet to win.

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Djokovic has already lifted the three Masters events this year, going all the way on the North American hard courts in Indian Wells and Miami as well as on the clay of Monte Carlo. Those hoping he would attempt to achieve a sweep of all 9 Masters events will be disappointed by the news.

It is a decision that in many ways sums up Djokovic, in that it is well thought out and planned. He is not defending any points from Madrid, having missed the event last year. He is also not the most popular player with the Spanish crowd at times, so will avoid the stress of having to play there.

Djokovic has a firm grip on the number one ranking and is clearly confident of holding onto this for the remainder of the year. Thomas Berdych and Andy Murray are his closest threats in the Race standings, neither of whom are favourites to lift the trophy in Madrid.

Chance for Someone Else to Star

What Djokovic’s withdrawal will mean if it is confirmed is a chance for another man to lift a big title for the first time in 2015. The Serb has been dominant at the headline events thus far and with him out of the field, a host of players will be hoping to take advantage.

Rafael Nadal is the obvious candidate for the title, which would be his second of the year. The Spaniard has looked like a shadow of his former self in recent months and a win in Madrid would not only be a huge boost to his confidence, but also his rankings.

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I think that Nadal would head into Madrid as joint favourite alongside Kei Nishikori, who is already showing what a force he could be on the clay. Nishikori was runner up to Nadal last year and perhaps the only thing going against the man from Japan is his lack of a title at this level.

Other guys that will be in with a great shot in Madrid include Roger Federer and Thomas Berdych, both of whom who have been in impressive form and have shown pedigree on clay in the past. Andy Murray, yet to earn a clay court title in his career, could also be a dark horse.

Next: What can Rafael Nadal achieve on the clay?

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