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