Saying Novak Djokovic “loves playing in Monte Carlo” would be an understatement. It’s far more personal than that. For the Serbian, it feels like home. After all, this is where he faced Roger Federer for the very first time, and where an 18-year-old Djokovic began shaping his clay-court journey in 2006. And since 2011, the 24x Grand Slam champion has never missed any edition in the district of Monaco.

However, the Serbian has now brought that remarkable 15-year streak to an end. The 38-year-old has pulled out of the season’s first clay-court Masters, leaving fans waiting a little longer for his return.

Confirming the news of his withdrawal on Instagram Stories, the tournament stated:

“We send him our best wishes and hope to see him back on court very soon.”

The post did not specify the reason for his withdrawal. But many are speculating that the reason could be the right shoulder injury. He had already skipped the Miami Open because of it.

In fact, the 38-year-old has not played since losing in three sets to Jack Draper in the fourth round of the BNP Paribas Open two weeks ago.

Djokovic lost his opening match in Monte Carlo last year, where Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo defeated him in straight sets. Because of that early exit, he will drop only five ranking points this year.

The former World No. 1 and two-time Monte Carlo champion is currently slated to return at the Madrid Open, where he also has only five points to defend after another early exit in 2025.

That said, his schedule remains flexible. He could opt to skip Madrid altogether and instead return at the Italian Open, before turning his full focus to the French Open. The Madrid main draw is set to run from April 22 to May 3.

Meanwhile, Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Alexander Zverev will headline Monte Carlo. 

And Djokovic’s clay season now remains uncertain, with former players already speculating about his presence at Roland Garros.

Tim Henman suggests Novak Djokovic may skip clay for Wimbledon

Novak Djokovic has played a limited schedule in recent years. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has openly admitted he struggles to find motivation for regular ATP Tour events as his career nears its end.

His long-term planning is now more selective. He is choosing events that matter most to his legacy. This shift reflects both physical demands and changing priorities.

At the Monte-Carlo Masters, Djokovic’s absence raises bigger questions. By the next edition, he will be close to 40. He may have already played his final match there.

He is a two-time champion at Monte Carlo, having won the tournament in 2013 and 2015. Still, his withdrawal will not significantly impact his ranking points. That likely made the decision easier.

Winning the French Open remains one of his toughest challenges, as clay is physically demanding and unforgiving. That reality is shaping discussions around his schedule.

Former British No. 1 Tim Henman has already shared a bold view. He suggested Djokovic might even skip Roland Garros. His focus, Henman believes, could shift toward grass.

“I will be very interested to see how much he plays on the clay,” Henman told Sky Sports Tennis. “That is the most physically demanding surface. Will he play something before the French? Will he play the French at all? Will he just focus on the grass? Who knows. I can see a scenario where he doesn’t play in Paris, but let’s see.”

Despite these doubts, Djokovic remains driven. Speaking at the BNP Paribas Open, he made his mindset clear. His competitive fire has not faded.

“I’m still competitive. I still have that edge, and I’ll keep on going as long as I feel like it,” he added. 

With Tim Henman now speculating a full clay-court skip, do you think Novak Djokovic will bypass the surface entirely to better prepare for Wimbledon Championships, where a 25th Grand Slam could await? Share your thoughts below.