Jannik Sinner faces key decision as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic pull out of Madrid

Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both decided to skip the 2026 Madrid Open.

It’s not been a good day for tournament organisers Feliciano Lopez and Garbine Muguruza, with two of the biggest names in men’s tennis pulling out.

The spotlight is now on world number one Jannik Sinner, who still hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll play at the fourth Masters 1000 event of the year.

It’s a big decision ahead for him – one that could end up shaping how his entire season unfolds.

Sinner faces decision over Madrid Open participation

Jannik Sinner, currently holding a 390-point lead over Carlos Alcaraz, must decide whether to participate in the Madrid Open or focus his energy elsewhere.

If Sinner chooses to play in Madrid, he would enter the tournament as the clear favourite. A victory there would increase his lead over Alcaraz to 1,390 points heading into Rome.

Alcaraz will be defending more points than Sinner in both Rome and Paris. If results follow expectations, Sinner could begin the grass-court season still holding onto the top ranking.

At 24 years old, Sinner has already spent more time at number one than all but 11 players in ATP history and is looking to move further up that list.

The other option is for him to skip Madrid entirely. Regardless of his choice, he will remain world number one after the event.

Sinner has had a demanding schedule lately, having won three Masters 1000 titles in just over a month.

With Rome being his home tournament and Paris offering a chance to complete a Career Grand Slam, it might make sense for him to prioritise rest over another title run in Madrid.

So Sinner must now decide if his priority is to extend the gap to Alcaraz and maximise his weeks at world number one or win the Italian Open and French Open.

Sinner has already said he wants both trophies. Don’t be surprised if he announces his withdrawal from Madrid soon…

Statements from Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on their Madrid Open Withdrawals

We could hear from Sinner soon, but here’s what Alcaraz and Djokovic had to say about their decisions:

Alcaraz, speaking in Spanish, shared the following message:

“There is some news that is incredibly hard to share,” said Alcaraz (translated from Spanish).

“Madrid is home, one of the most special places on my calendar, and that’s why it hurts so much not to be able to play here for the second year in a row.

“It hurts especially not to be in front of my people, in a tournament that means so much.

Djokovic also addressed his absence through an Instagram story:

“Madrid, unfortunately I won’t be able to compete at the Madrid Open this year,” he said.

“I’m continuing my recovery in order to be back soon.”

Recapping last year’s Madrid Open

Novak Djokovic exited in the second round of last year’s tournament, while both Sinner and Alcaraz didn’t feature at all.

It created an opening for someone new to claim a Masters 1000 title, and Casper Ruud took full advantage.

The Norwegian beat Jack Draper in the final to secure his first Masters 1000 trophy.

With a similarly weakened field this year, there’s a chance he could do it again. The 2026 Madrid Open gets underway on Friday, April 24th.

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