The 2026 Miami Open is set to begin with notable withdrawals from top players, including six-time champion Novak Djokovic due to injury.
What the data shows
The upcoming 2026 Miami Open raises a critical question: how will the tournament cope with the withdrawal of several top players, including six-time champion Novak Djokovic? The answer is that the event will proceed, but the absence of these stars will undoubtedly impact its competitive landscape.
Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the Miami Open due to a right shoulder injury, as confirmed by the tournament organizers on Sunday. This decision marks a significant loss for the Miami Open, where Djokovic has historically excelled, having won the title six times and reached the final on eight occasions. His last appearance in the final was just last year, where he lost to Jakub Mensik.
In addition to Djokovic, the tournament will also miss Holger Rune, who is sidelined with a severe Achilles injury, and Tallon Griekspoor, who withdrew due to a left hamstring issue. Lorenzo Sonego has also pulled out, citing a wrist problem. In total, six ATP players have withdrawn from the event, which could alter the dynamics of the competition.
Djokovic’s withdrawal means he will lose 650 ranking points, which will likely drop him to at least fourth place in the ATP rankings behind Alexander Zverev. Despite this setback, sources indicate that the physical issue is not believed to be serious, and Djokovic is expected to return for the clay-court swing later in the season.
The quick turnaround between the Indian Wells tournament and the Miami Open often presents challenges for players, which may have contributed to the spate of withdrawals. This year’s Miami Open will proceed without some of its biggest draws, which could affect ticket sales and overall viewer interest.
Djokovic shares the record for the most Miami Open wins with tennis legend Andre Agassi, making his absence particularly notable. As the tournament approaches, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the remaining competitors, including rising stars and seasoned players, adapt to the new landscape.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the severity of Djokovic’s injury and the potential for other players to withdraw as the event date approaches. The Miami Open is set to begin on March 17, 2026, in Miami, Florida, and the tournament will still feature a strong lineup, albeit without some of its most prominent stars.
