Serbian tennis sensation Novak Djokovic‘s 2023 season has been anything but smooth. As he clinched titles at the Adelaide International and Australian Open against Sebastian Korda and Stefanos Tsitsipas, respectively, Nole fans were expecting a crazy ride this season. After the world no.1 kicked his 2023 off with all the right notes, his winning streak staggered a little at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships where he lost to Russian ATP icon Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals.

Reason behind Djokovic’s withdrawal from Indian Wells and Miami Open 2023

After his defeat in the semifinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships, ‘Djoker’ fans were hopeful of a grand comeback from the tennis star at the Indian Wells Masters. Djokovic himself was excited to play on US soil and meet his American fans. However, as luck would have it, the past repeated itself and the US entry restrictions and regulations imposed a ban on Djokovic’s entry, owing to his vaccination status.

Djokovic, however, tried his best and reportedly applied for a special exemption from the US government to be allowed to travel to the US, unvaccinated. Also, the United States Tennis Association and the US Open remarked that they remained “hopeful” of his participation in the Indian Wells and the Miami Open.

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However, even with the support of US Senators like Rick Scott, and millions of his fans, Djokovic could not participate in the Indian Wells and Miami Open, thus withdrawing from both tournaments.

Novak Djokovic’s return to tennis with Monte Carlo 2023

Thus, right after the tournament in Dubai, Djokovic went on a long vacation from the court – during which his fans believe he geared up for the clay season. True to their predictions, Djokovic made a grand comeback with a win at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters earlier this month.

In his first match, the world no.1 faced world no. 198 Ivan Gakhov, a rival he has never faced before and someone who managed to impress him with his agility. However, he was no match for Djokovic, who sealed the match with a 7-6(5), 6-2 win. This happiness was short-lived for Nole fans as the Serb was quickly knocked out only weeks later at the hands of Lorenzo Musetti in the Round of 16 at Monte Carlo.

Disappointed by his own performance, Djokovic said, “(The) feeling is terrible after playing like this, honestly. But congrats to him…I don’t think it’s catastrophic, but my feeling is bad right now because I lost the match. It’s not a great day for me, so I’m not really in the mood to speak.”

Djokovic’s recent injury reveal before French Open 2023

After facing disappointment at the Monte Carlo Masters, Djokovic signed up for the Banja Luka Open, where he met with similar circumstances. Although he sailed comfortably past the Round of 16 this time, beating Luca Van Assche, he was faced with the bitter taste of defeat in the quarter-finals at the hands of Dusan Lajović.

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However, he seemed more cheerful than he was at Monte Carlo and, wearing an elbow brace, he said when asked about his physical condition, “The elbow is not in an ideal condition, but let’s say it’s good enough. I hope it will be fully ready for the first match.”

Believed to be a striking chord to set the tone for preparations of Roland Garros, the Madrid Open will not be seeing Novak Djokovic step out on court. As revealed by the organizers in a post on social media, Djokovic has pulled out of the tournament and it is highly possible that this decision is influenced by his recent elbow situation that needed him to brace up during a match.

Will Novak Djokovic participate in French Open 2023

During an interview with Eurosport, Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker revealed that the Serb is not “thinking about the golden slam. The next major is Roland-Garros where, in my eyes, the favourite still is Rafael Nadal. But Novak is on his heels. So let’s see what these two great champions will deliver for us.”

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He insinuated that Djokovic is indeed eyeing the French Open title. However, keeping in mind the recent injury scare that comes as a shock to Nole fans around the world, Djokovic has rarely withdrawn from major tournaments. Also looking at how badly this particular injury can affect his performance is another worry for team Djokovic. Nonetheless, the Serb has a reputation to sail smoothly even with gruesome hamstring injuries that would have kept other players in bed.

However, looking at whether Djokovic will play in the French Open, it is certain that the speculation depends on his participation at the upcoming ATP event in Rome. Either he will participate in Rome having healed fully, or he will have to sit this one out, making his recovery a long, steady process to gear up in full force for the 2023 French Open.

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As of now, one aspect of his decision is certain. Although Djokovic will only make a comeback after his injury has healed fully, he will nevertheless try his best to step up ahead of the French Open 2023.