What happened the last time Novak Djokovic missed the Monte-Carlo Masters 15 years ago
· Yahoo Sports
Novak Djokovic has decided to withdraw from the 2026 Monte-Carlo Masters.
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The news was confirmed by tournament organisers, who released a statement wishing Djokovic well and hoping to see him return soon.
It’s only the second time in his career that he’s missed the event, with the last being back in 2011.
What was behind his decision to pull out that year, and how did things play out without him?
Djokovic’s 2011 withdrawal from Monte-Carlo Masters due to knee issue
Photo by Shi Tang/Getty ImagesDjokovic confirmed his absence from the 2011 Monte-Carlo Masters with the following message:
“It’s a tough blow and sad news,” he said.
“Not only for the tournament and my fans, but also for myself.”
The knee injury kept him out of action, though he entered the season in top form, having won all 26 of his matches up to that point.
With Djokovic out, most expected Rafael Nadal to claim his seventh straight title in Monaco.
However, both Roger Federer and Andy Murray were seen as real threats.
Nadal, Federer, and Murray each made it through to the quarter-finals without dropping a set, highlighting their strong starts.
But Federer’s run ended there. He was beaten by Austria’s Jurgen Melzer in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4.
The semi-final lineup still featured plenty of quality: Nadal, Murray, David Ferrer (the fourth seed), and Melzer (the seventh seed).
Nadal faced Murray in the first semi-final. The Spaniard took the opening set before Murray responded well to force a decider.
Murray was close to making history – no one had beaten Nadal in Monte Carlo since 2003. But Nadal raised his level in the third set to secure another final appearance.
Who will step up in 2026 with Novak Djokovic out?
Back in 2011, a Spaniard took the title in Djokovic’s absence, and there’s every chance we could see a similar story play out this year.
Carlos Alcaraz will arrive as the top seed and the clear favourite, looking to defend his crown.
He had to battle through three tough three-setters on his way to last year’s title, coming from behind in each one.
Alcaraz won’t have it easy this time either. Jannik Sinner is back in the field after missing last year due to suspension, and he’ll be keen to make up for lost time.
Sinner has already shown good form this season, capturing the Indian Wells title and reaching another final in Miami against Jiri Lehecka.
The tournament kicks off on Monday, April 6. It’s shaping up to be an event you won’t want to miss.
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