Novak Djokovic withdraws from Madrid Open

The organizers have declared that the World No. 1 has pulled out of the Mutua Madrid Open for the 2 time in a row to rest and prepare for the Rome Masters and Rollan Garros.

“The Serb announced that … he will take time out to rest before continuing with his planned calendar at the Rome and Roland Garros tournaments,” a statement on the Madrid Open’s official site said.

Djokovic has been in imperious form this year, following up his triumph at the Australian Open with victories at the Masters events in Miami, Indian Wells and Monte Carlo. Had he stuck around, he was one of the favorites but one can say it’s for the best that he took a break to relieve some pressure.

With Rafael Nadal yet to get back to top form after illness and injury, many expect Djokovic to end the Spaniard’s reign on clay at the French Open, the only one of the four slams the Serb has yet to win.