MADRID (AP) The ATP says world No. 1 and former champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week's Madrid Open without elaborating, and will return to competition the following week in Rome, where he is the defending champion.
The tour made the announcement on Thursday.
Djokovic who was scheduled to participate in a charity event with Serena Williams and Hollywood actress Elsa Pataky on Friday.
He won the 2011 Madrid title, beating Rafael Nadal in the final.
Nadal has been seen practicing on the Madrid Open outside courts.
Djokovic has a 30-2 record this year, having won the Australian Open and three Masters titles.