Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, ranked #1 in the world, has withdrawn from the upcoming Madrid Open. From so on, Jannik Sinner will start as the top seed in the event, which begins on April 26.

When Djokovic previously competed in the competition, he lost to eventual champion Carlos Alcaraz in an exciting semifinal in 2022. But the Serb’s fiercest adversary, Rafael Nadal, will participate—possibly for the final time in his career.

It is anticipated that the 36-year-old Serbian will focus solely on Grand Slams at this point in his career. He will attempt to play himself into some form by competing in the Italian Open before the French Open, where he has a strong record.

During the Madrid Open, Rafael Nadal ought to be busy:

It seems unlikely that Djokovic’s retirement will provide Nadal much of a break because the 37-year-old Spaniard will be up against a lot of players who are much younger. In addition to Sinner, Madrid’s two-time champion Alcaraz will be present.

Alexander Zverev, a past winner with a strong record in the Spanish capital, will also be present. Stefanos Tsitsipas, who captured his third championship in Monte Carlo last week, will also be present.

In the past, in the Manolo Santana Stadium in Madrid, Alcaraz, Tsitsipas, and Zverev have all defeated Rafael Nadal. In 2019, Zverev defeated him, and in 2021, Tsitsipas triumphed. In their first-ever clash, Nadal defeated Alcaraz at the Madrid Open in 2021, but the latter produced a thrilling victory the following year.

Being an unseeded player, Nadal will have to contend with a top seed in the first round. The five-time Madrid champion Spaniard will still be a formidable opponent in the clay-court competition, though, assuming he is fully fit.

Still, the Mallorcan should try to win as many matches as possible on his favorite surface in what looks like his last season on the Tour. He will, however, have to deal with the stiff challenges posed by his younger opponents. He will also have to guard against any potential recurrence of his injury, which could jeopardize his chances of taking part in the French Open.

Nadal has lost to Djokovic twice in the Madrid final:

Djokovic feels more at ease on Madrid’s court since it offers a bit faster tempo than other clay courts. Throughout his career, Nadal has largely beaten the Serb on clay, but in the Madrid Open final, the Serb defeated Nadal twice (in 2009 and 2011).

But in 2017, the Spaniard exacted revenge as he defeated Djokovic in the semifinals to win his sixth championship there. Therefore, it will continue to be unfortunate if the two legendary men do not meet again in Madrid this year.