Jannik Sinner faces key decision as Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic pull out of Madrid

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Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic have both decided to skip the 2026 Madrid Open.

It’s not been a good day for tournament organisers Feliciano Lopez and Garbine Muguruza, with two of the biggest names in men’s tennis pulling out.

The spotlight is now on world number one Jannik Sinner, who still hasn’t confirmed whether he’ll play at the fourth Masters 1000 event of the year.

It’s a big decision ahead for him – one that could end up shaping how his entire season unfolds.

Sinner faces decision over Madrid Open participation

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Jannik Sinner, currently holding a 390-point lead over Carlos Alcaraz, must decide whether to participate in the Madrid Open or focus his energy elsewhere.

If Sinner chooses to play in Madrid, he would enter the tournament as the clear favourite. A victory there would increase his lead over Alcaraz to 1,390 points heading into Rome.

Alcaraz will be defending more points than Sinner in both Rome and Paris. If results follow expectations, Sinner could begin the grass-court season still holding onto the top ranking.

At 24 years old, Sinner has already spent more time at number one than all but 11 players in ATP history and is looking to move further up that list.

The other option is for him to skip Madrid entirely. Regardless of his choice, he will remain world number one after the event.

Sinner has had a demanding schedule lately, having won three Masters 1000 titles in just over a month.

With Rome being his home tournament and Paris offering a chance to complete a Career Grand Slam, it might make sense for him to prioritise rest over another title run in Madrid.