As the clay courts of La Caja Mágica prepare to host the 2025 Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, is leaving no stone unturned in his quest for a fourth title at the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event. On April 18, 2025, the Serbian superstar was spotted training at full throttle at the Puente Romano Tennis Club in Marbella, Spain, dispelling any lingering concerns about his physical condition. Practicing alongside South Africa’s Lloyd Harris, Djokovic’s rigorous session signaled his determination to reclaim his clay-court dominance ahead of the tournament, which runs from April 22 to May 4. His presence in Madrid marks a rare return to the event, having skipped it in three of the last four years, and underscores his strategic focus on peaking for the French Open.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a rollercoaster, marked by flashes of brilliance and unexpected setbacks. A thrilling quarterfinal victory over Carlos Alcaraz at the Australian Open showcased his enduring genius, but a semifinal retirement against Alexander Zverev due to injury raised questions about his durability at 37. Early exits at the Qatar Open and Indian Wells, followed by a stunning loss to Alejandro Tabilo in Monte Carlo, added to the narrative of a challenging year. Yet, his run to the Miami Open final, where he fell to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik, proved he remains a formidable force. “I’m looking to play more tournaments this year than I played last season, so hopefully also my level is going to go up,” Djokovic said earlier this year in Brisbane, outlining his ambition to compete more frequently in 2025. His decision to play Madrid, a tournament he last contested in 2022, reflects this commitment.
The Madrid Open holds a special place in Djokovic’s storied career. With titles in 2011, 2016, and 2019, he boasts a 30-9 win-loss record at the event, translating to a 77 percent win rate. His 2011 victory over Rafael Nadal, a 7-5, 6-4 masterclass, ended the Spaniard’s dominance on home soil, while his 2019 triumph against Stefanos Tsitsipas cemented his clay-court credentials. However, his last appearance in 2022 ended in a dramatic semifinal loss to a rising Carlos Alcaraz, a match later dubbed the ATP’s “Best Match of the Year.” “We went toe-to-toe until the last moment,” Djokovic recalled of his battles with younger rivals like Alcaraz and Mensik, emphasizing the intensity that defines his encounters. His training in Marbella, where he was seen trading punishing groundstrokes with Harris, suggests he’s ready to face such challenges again.
Djokovic’s preparation in Marbella, a coastal haven known for its elite training facilities, is strategic. The high-altitude conditions of Madrid, combined with its fast clay courts, demand exceptional fitness and adaptability. By choosing to train on clay in Spain, Djokovic is fine-tuning his movement and shot-making to counter the likes of top seeds Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and defending champion Andrey Rublev, all confirmed for the 2025 event. Posts on X captured the excitement, with fans marveling at Djokovic’s work ethic: “The 🐐 is working hard💪🏻 in Marbella and gearing up for his return to Madrid,” one supporter wrote. Another hailed him as “Tomando ritmo en arcilla 🧱,” or gaining rhythm on clay, reflecting the anticipation surrounding his comeback.
This Madrid appearance is more than a tune-up for Djokovic; it’s a chance to bolster his ATP rankings and chase his 100th career title, a milestone only Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer have reached among male players. Currently ranked No. 7, a deep run could propel him into the top four, ensuring a favorable draw at Roland Garros, where he aims for a record-extending 25th Grand Slam. “I still love this sport and I still love competing,” Djokovic affirmed, dismissing retirement rumors and highlighting his passion for the game. His decision to prioritize Madrid over a lighter schedule also addresses concerns raised by his former coach, Marian Vajda, who noted that fewer tournaments might leave him underprepared for majors.
The Madrid Open, with its 96-player draw and star-studded field, promises high stakes. Djokovic, seeded fourth behind Alcaraz, Zverev, and Taylor Fritz, faces a potential semifinal rematch with Alcaraz, reigniting one of tennis’s most electrifying rivalries. For now, Djokovic’s focus is on building momentum, with each practice session in Marbella a step toward silencing doubters. As he prepares to step onto the red clay of La Caja Mágica, the tennis world watches eagerly, knowing that when Djokovic is in form, he’s capable of rewriting history.
SIGN OF LIFE ON THIS GOOD FRIDAY THANK YOU 🙏🏽 🙏🏽 https://t.co/6IpEPQcbq6
— Emma (@emmylobz) April 18, 2025