Tennis world number one Novak Djokovic on Monday confirmed his absence from the Madrid Masters tournament – one of the three most prestigious clay court competitions on the circuit in the prelude to the French Open in Paris.
Djokovic, 36, skipped the Barcelona Open last week after taking part in the Monte Carlo Masters where he reached the semi-finals.
It is believed Djokovic will continue his preparations to defend his French Open crown by competing at the Italian Open which starts in Rome on 6 May.
In Djokovic's absence, Jannik Sinner will lead the seedings in Madrid.
The 22-year-old Italian will open his campaign in the second round either against compatriot Lorenzo Sonego or a qualifier.
Doubt
Local hero Carlos Alcaraz – the world number three – will be second seed should he recover from an arm injury which forced him to miss the Monte Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open.
Former world number one Rafael Nadal will take on 16-year-old Darwin Blanch from the United States in the first round.
Nadal, 37, a five-time winner at the Caja Magica, returned to action at the Barcelona Open where he fell in the second round to the Australian Alex de Minaur.
Should Nadal advance past Blanch, the Spaniard will face de Minaur for a place in the third round.
Nadal announced last May that 2024 was likely to be his last season on the ATP circuit.
The winner of 22 Grand Slam tournaments including 14 French Opens has been plagued by foot and stomach injuries over the last few years. He says he wants to spend more time with his family and devote himself to promoting his tennis academy.
In the women's draw, top seed Iga Swiatek will open her quest for a first title in Madrid against Xiyu Wang from China or Ana Bogdan from Romania.
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka will start against Magda Linette from Poland or the Italian Elisabetta Cocciaretto.
