Novak Djokovic will skip the Miami Open, saying less than a week after a surprise loss at Indian Wells that he needs to balance his "private and professional schedule."
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Djokovic's announcement on Saturday on his social media accounts follows his shock 6-4 3-6 6-3 defeat to unheralded Luca Nardi five days earlier in the third round of the Indian Wells event.
"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," Djokovic wrote.
Nardi, who is ranked No.123, become 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 36-year-old Djokovic is a six-time champion in Miami, the hardcourt tournament that begins next week.
Australian Associated Press
