Former US Open champion defends Djokovic’s decision after injury setback.
Novak Djokovic will not feature at this year’s Miami Open after withdrawing with a right shoulder injury, despite initially appearing set to compete following his Indian Wells campaign.
The absence of the six-time champion has disappointed fans, but Andy Roddick has taken issue with the criticism aimed at the Serbian — arguing that the reaction ignores Djokovic’s broader priorities at this stage of his career.
Roddick questions criticism of Djokovic’s decision
Speaking on the Served podcast, Roddick admitted he was frustrated by how some fans responded to the withdrawal.
“Here is what annoys me,” he said. “It would have been a miracle if he played Miami.”
Roddick pointed to Djokovic’s own messaging in recent years, where the 24-time Grand Slam champion has made it clear he is no longer chasing rankings and is instead focused on majors and family life.
“When Novak says he’s not chasing number one, that he’s prioritising his family and longevity, people say that’s great,” Roddick explained. “Then he pulls out of Miami and suddenly people are upset.”
He added: “If you understand the bigger picture, you can’t be angry about the smaller decisions that come from it. He doesn’t need to win Miami — he’s Novak.”
Djokovic’s long-term focus remains unchanged
Djokovic’s withdrawal aligns with a carefully managed schedule that prioritises peak performance at Grand Slam events, particularly as he manages his body at 38 years old.
Carrying a shoulder issue into a Masters 1000 event would present unnecessary risk, especially given his stated goals of extending his career and competing at the highest level when it matters most.
Roddick’s stance reflects a broader reality: Djokovic is no longer driven by the same calendar demands as earlier in his career, and selective scheduling has become essential.
His remarkable 41-match winning streak at the start of 2011 — still the best in the Open Era — underlines the level he has reached in the past, but also highlights the physical toll such dominance requires.
While Carlos Alcaraz threatened a similar start in 2026 with 16 consecutive wins before losing to Daniil Medvedev in Indian Wells, Djokovic’s record remains untouched — and his current approach suggests he is focused on preserving his legacy rather than chasing every title available.
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