Novak Djokovic makes ‘quite revealing’ personal announcement

Novak Djokovic has announced a shift in his priorities in the wake of his controversial defeat at Indian Wells, confirming he will skip the Miami Open after all to focus on his family.

The 36-year-old had not appeared at either leg of the Sunshine Swing since 2019 prior to taking the court in California last week.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Djokovic loses his cool in shock Indian Wells defeat.

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Instead of competing for a sixth Indian Wells title, though, the world No.1 was dumped out in the third round by the unheralded world No.123 Luca Nardi — the worst loss of his grand slam and ATP Masters 1000 career by opponent ranking.

Djokovic was set to try again when the ATP Tour shifted to Miami next week, only to suddenly confirm in a brief post on social media that he would sit out the event for an important reason.

“Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Miami Open this year,” he wrote on Saturday.

“At this stage of my career, I’m balancing my private and professional schedule.

“I’m sorry that I won’t experience some of the best and most passionate fans in the world.

“I’m looking (forward to) competing in Miami in future!”

Djokovic won five titles from six finals last year but, after consistently holding off the next generation, is beginning to rack up an increasing number of defeats to younger players.

The Serbian has most notably lost to Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner three times since November.

But with his children turning 10 and seven this year, Djokovic has decided now is the time to pick and choose his appearances more carefully.

The Miami withdrawal sparked immediate speculation that he could be closer to the end of his career than he has always let on.

“It’s quite revealing in some respects,” former British No.1 Tim Henman said on Sky Sports.

“Because it could’ve been very easy to just say my elbow’s a bit sore, heavy balls in the desert, I’m going to take time off. No one would’ve said anything.

“But when you elaborate down those avenues it probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.

“Fingers crossed he can sort out whatever the issues are and we can see him back on court in the not-too-distant future.”

Olympic silver medallist Laura Robson suggested the signs had always been there for Djokovic to take a step back.

“I feel like when you’re away from your kids so often — he just misses them so much,” Robson said.

“Whether that’s the reason I’m not totally sure, it really could be anything because it’s not that specific.

“But he spoke about it a lot in Australia that he misses them when he’s away, that it’s a huge sacrifice for him not to be there.

“He wants them to see him play tennis, for sure, but equally the moments at home are just as important to him.

“He’s won everything. Do you need to win another Miami, do you need to even play that week if you’re not feeling 100 per cent about it? No.”

Asked if Djokovic went into the detail that he did to at least avoid injury speculation and confirm he would be back, Robson was hopeful.

“You read into it either way, don’t you?” she said.

“The good news is it’s not an injury, though, so there shouldn’t be any reason why we won’t see him at, let’s say, Monte Carlo a few weeks (after Miami).”

The clay-court season kicks off in the first week of April before the Monte Carlo Masters takes centre stage in the second.

Djokovic has not made it past the third round at the event since 2019 and last lifted the trophy in 2015.

Despite stepping back from Miami, he has more motivation than ever for the looming clay events ahead of a genuine shot at his first Olympic gold later this year.

The tournament will take place at Roland Garros, where Djokovic has won two of the past three French Open titles.