Djokovic, Draper, Fritz all out of Monte Carlo Masters

Jack Draper became the latest withdrawal from the Monte Carlo Masters on Tuesday, delaying his clay debut as he manages an arm injury.skysports
Novak Djokovic, sidelined since Indian Wells with a right shoulder injury, pulled out last week — his first absence in 15 years outside 2020.atptour
Taylor Fritz and Sebastian Korda also withdrew, though defending champion Carlos Alcaraz and world No. 1 Jannik Sinner remain in the field.10sballs

Multiple Top Players Withdraw From Monte Carlo Masters Ahead of Clay Season Opener

The 2026 Rolex Monte Carlo Masters has lost several marquee names before a ball has been struck, with Novak Djokovic, Jack Draper, Taylor Fritz, and Sebastian Korda all pulling out of the ATP Masters 1000 event set to begin on April 5 at the Monte Carlo Country Club in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, France.

Djokovic’s Shoulder Woes Continue

Djokovic’s withdrawal, announced by the tournament via Instagram on March 27, extends an absence that began when the 38-year-old Serb pulled out of the Miami Open in mid-March with a right shoulder injury. The 24-time Grand Slam champion last competed at Indian Wells, where he lost a three-set battle to Draper in the fourth round. His exit from Monte Carlo marks the first time in 15 years, outside of the pandemic-cancelled 2020 edition, that the two-time champion will miss the event. Djokovic, who has slipped out of the world’s top three in the ATP rankings, is next scheduled to compete at the Mutua Madrid Open.skysports

Draper Delays Clay Debut

Draper confirmed his withdrawal on Tuesday, opting to continue training rather than rush into the clay swing. According to Sky Sports, the British player plans to return to competition at the Barcelona Open, which runs from April 13 to 19. Draper endured a difficult 2025 season, missing six months of action due to a bruised humerus bone, and his camp appears determined to manage his workload carefully. He lost his opening match at the Miami Open before deciding to regroup.skysports

Fritz, Korda Also Out

Fritz, the American ranked seventh in the world, withdrew from the tournament over a week before the start, adding to a growing list of absentees. Korda, who has dealt with recurring back issues this season, also pulled out. Despite the high-profile departures, the draw will still feature defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Lorenzo Musetti. The draw is scheduled to be made on Saturday, April 4, at 5 p.m. local time.10sballs

The wave of withdrawals underscores the physical toll of the early-season hard-court swing and the delicate calculations players face as they transition to clay, with the French Open looming at the end of May.