<p>Novak Djokovic will not play the 2026 Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters. The 38-year-old Serb, hampered by a right shoulder injury for several weeks, has officially withdrawn from the Monaco tournament. Organizers confirmed his withdrawal in a brief statement: "Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament. We send him our best wishes and hope to see him back on court very soon."</p>

<p>This withdrawal is not an isolated incident. The 24-time Grand Slam champion had already missed the Miami Masters after losing to Jack Draper in the round of 16 at Indian Wells in March. The same shoulder injury had forced him to pull out, a pattern that is beginning to concern observers on the tour (according to ATP.com).</p>

<p>The last powerful image of Djokovic on court dates back to the 2026 Australian Open final, where he pushed Carlos Alcaraz to the limit before falling in four sets (2-6, 6-2, 6-3, 7-5). A performance that reminded everyone the talent remains intact, but the body can no longer keep pace. At Monte Carlo last year, he was eliminated in the second round by Alejandro Tabilo.</p>

<p>The words Djokovic spoke after his Melbourne final now carry particular weight in this context. "I didn't think I'd be standing at the closing ceremony of a Grand Slam once again. Who knows what happens tomorrow, never mind the next six or twelve months..." the Serb confided, hinting at reflections on the end of his career.</p>

<p>The strategy appears clear: preserve his body for the major milestones. Djokovic is expected at the Mutua Madrid Open from April 22, then at Roland Garros in May. Two clay-court tournaments that could define the contours of his final season on the red dirt. At 38, every scheduling decision now feels like a countdown.</p>