World No. 1 Novak Djokovic withdraws from Miami Open

Field Level Media|published: Sat 16th March, 11:12 2024

Mar 11, 2024; Indian Wells, CA, USA; Novak Djokovic (SRB) hits a shot in his third round match against Luca Nardi (ITA) in the BNP Paribas Open at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. credits: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Top-ranked Novak Djokovic announced Saturday morning that he will not compete in the upcoming Miami Open because he needs to balance his "private and professional schedule."

Djokovic's announcement over social media comes five days after Luca Nardi took a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 decision in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif.

Nardi, a 20-year-old Italian, is ranked 123rd in the world. He was a lucky loser from qualifying who made the draw as an alternate.

"Unfortunately I won't be playing the Miami Open this year," Djokovic wrote on social media. "At this stage of my career, I'm balancing my private and professional schedule. I'm sorry that I won't experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world."

Djokovic, 36, is a six-time champion in Miami and 24-time major winner.

The hard-court tournament begins next week.

—Field Level Media