Novak Djokovic: Six-time Miami Open winner withdraws from event to balance private and professional schedules

Novak Djokovic suffered a defeat to Luca Nardi, ranked No 123, on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open; watch over 80 tournaments a year including the US Open exclusively live on Sky Sports Tennis

Laura Robson and Tim Henman discuss why six-time winner Novak Djokovic has decided not to play at this year's Miami Open, which starts next week

Six-time Miami Open champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the tournament, citing the balance between his "private and professional schedule".

Djokovic's announcement on his social media accounts follows his 6-4 3-6 6-3 defeat to unheralded Luca Nardi on Monday in the third round of the BNP Paribas Open.

Last year Novak Djokovic didn't win a title before the clay swing


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"Hi Miami! Unfortunately I won't be playing the Miami Open this year," he posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"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 fw competing in MI in future!"

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Nardi, who is ranked No 123, became the lowest-ranked player to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam or ATP Masters 1000 level event, surpassing No 122 Kevin Anderson in 2008 in Miami.

The 20-year-old Italian got into the field as a "lucky loser," which is a player who stumbled on the final hurdle in qualifying but made it into the main draw as a replacement for an injured player who pulled out before the first round.

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The 36-year-old Djokovic is a six-time champion in Miami. The hardcourt tournament begins next week.

Djokovic will now bid to capture his first trophy of the year during the ATP Tour's claycourt swing.

Tournament Director James Blake replied to Djokovic, saying: "You will be missed, champion. But all the parents understand how important time with the family is. Best wishes and see you next year here at Miami Open."

Watch the moment lucky loser Luca Nardi defeated his idol Novak Djokovic at Indian Wells...

Robson: Moments at home are just as important

Image: Djokovic is expected to return in time for the clay season

"When you're away from your kids so often, he just misses them so much," Laura Robson told Sky Sports Tennis. "He spoke about it a lot in Australia, that he misses them a lot and that it's a huge sacrifice for him not to be there. He wants them to see him play tennis but the moments at home are just as important.

"Do you need to play another Miami? Do you need to play again after not feeling 100 per cent about it? No!

"The good news is that it's not an injury though, so there's no reason why we won't see him at let's say Monte Carlo a few weeks later."

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