Madrid Open

Djokovic withdraws from Madrid with arm injury

ESPN staff

May 4, 2014

Novak Djokovic: "I did everything possible to play" © Getty Images

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Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Madrid Open after suffering a recurrence of the right arm injury that troubled him in Monte Carlo three weeks ago.

Djokovic suffered with the problem in his straight sets semi-final defeat to Roger Federer in Monaco, but had been hoping to be fully fit to challenge for a second Madrid crown.

"I am very sorry for the Madrid tournament and all the Spanish fans to have to pull out of the Madrid Open," said Djokovic on Sunday.

"I did everything possible in order to play in Madrid, which is one of the biggest events of the year, but unfortunately my right arm injury has flared up again.

"Now I will take some time to recover and heal my injury, hoping I will be ready for Rome. I look forward to returning to Madrid next year."

Djokovic is due to play the Rome Masters, which begins on May 11.