- Novak Djokovic forced out of Madrid Masters with injury
- Right arm injury flares up again
- Injury first hit Djokovic at Monte Carlo Masters
- Rafael Nadal is top seed at clay court event
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(CNN) — Novak Djokovic’s preparations for the French Open later this month have suffered a worrying setback as the world number two was forced to withdraw from this week’s Madrid Masters.
Djokovic has suffered a recurrence of the right arm injury which hindered him at the Monte Carlo Masters three weeks ago, but was apparently healed. He is still hoping to be fit for the Rome Masters which starts next Sunday.
“I am very sorry for the Madrid tournament and all the Spanish fans to have to pull out of the Mutua Madrid Open,” said Djokovic told the official ATP Tour website Sunday.
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“I did everything possible in order to play in Madrid, which is one of the biggest events of the year, but unfortunately my right arm injury has flared up again.
“Now I will take some time to recover and heal my injury, hoping I will be ready for Rome. I look forward to returning to Madrid next year.”
The Serbian won in Madrid three years ago during his triumphant 2011 season and was looking for a repeat at Caja Magica in the Spanish capital.
His absence may pave the way for world number Rafael Nadal to make a successful defense of his Madrid title but he has also been far from dominant in recent weeks.
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