Djokovic's withdrawal from Miami unexpectedly sparks criticism wave online, Roddick and Martina Navratilova hold differing views.

Previously, Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the 2026 Miami Open due to a right shoulder injury, unexpectedly triggering a wave of public opinion backlash over the past few days.

A fan commented under related news: "Understand he wants to protect his body, but the problem is, he's clearly struggling against Sinner and Alcaraz now. Without playing more matches to regain form, just relying on maintenance, can he really keep up the pace at Grand Slams?" Another fan expressed: "Miami is a Masters event, not a casual tournament. Fans buy tickets to watch top-level clashes. Where is the respect for the event and fans with this selective participation? Though he's a legend, it's still disappointing."

Actually, the backlash from Djokovic's withdrawal mainly stems from two practical impacts. First, as last year's Miami Open runner-up, he will be forced to deduct 650 ranking points, meaning this 24-time Grand Slam champion will definitely drop out of the top three, surpassed by German player Alexander Zverev. For Djokovic aiming for his 25th Grand Slam title, a ranking drop could mean unfavorable positions in Grand Slam draws.

Second, the Miami Masters, one of the nine ATP Masters events annually, is a top-tier tournament仅次于 Grand Slams. Missing this stage not only means Djokovic cannot compete for his seventh Miami Masters title, but more crucially, he loses the opportunity to test his form against top players like Medvedev, Alcaraz, and Sinner. After his unexpected fourth-round loss to Draper at the Indian Wells Masters,外界 already had doubts about Djokovic's form, and this withdrawal无疑加剧s such concerns.

Regarding this, former world No. 1, American tennis legend Andy Roddick, fiercely criticized those "unreasonable" negative comments targeting Djokovic's absence on his podcast "Served."

Roddick expressed being "annoyed" by the intensity of some fans' reactions. He emphasized that anyone understanding Djokovic's current career plan shouldn't be surprised.

Roddick pointed out in the program, "Djokovic withdrawing from Miami isn't really surprising; what annoys me is the reaction. He was highly unlikely to play anyway; his participation would have been a miracle."

Roddick believes this discontent contradicts Djokovic's repeatedly stated personal priorities over the past 18 months. He recalled that when Djokovic publicly stated "I won't chase the world No. 1 ranking anymore, my goal is only Grand Slams" and "I will put family first," everyone applauded it.

"But now, some people are exclaiming over his Miami Masters withdrawal: 'He actually withdrew!'" Roddick激动ly said, "These two things are essentially the same,完全 based on the same initial choice. Over the past 18 months, all his mentioned pursuits ultimately led to this decision, this choice to withdraw."

Roddick further analyzed that having Djokovic fly to Miami specifically, spending two weeks training and playing practice matches,完全不符合 his current rhythm. He predicted Djokovic's next event will be the Monte Carlo Masters, and his family likely will accompany him,完全契合 his commitment to putting family first.

Roddick直言, "If you understand his overall plan, you shouldn't be upset about specific decisions supporting that plan. This contradictory reaction is both愚蠢 and unreasonable. He had no intention to play anyway;没必要 spending two weeks training for Miami. He also doesn't need to prove anything by winning Miami; he's Novak Djokovic. Who cares if he plays this event?"

However, not all tennis legends完全赞同 Djokovic's "selective participation" like Roddick. 18-time Grand Slam champion Martina Navratilova, while expressing惋惜, also raised underlying concerns.

Navratilova stated in an interview with Sky Sports: "The weather conditions at this Miami Open already caused considerable trouble for the event, and last year's runner-up, the greatest player in tennis, Djokovic, cannot participate—it's truly a pity."

She specifically addressed Djokovic's match volume issue: "I think he needs more warm-up matches before Grand Slams. He plays too few matches now; even if his own form remains stable, he needs more actual competition to maintain match feel. He过度保养s himself; even if fitness is still solid, he needs match rhythm to regain form."

On social media, fans' views also呈现鲜明对立, similar to Roddick and Navratilova's perspectives.

Some网友完全支持 Roddick's view, believing Djokovic has nothing left to prove. A网友 commented, "Roddick spoke the truth. A 38-year-old veteran who has won everything, now wants to spend time with his kids and selectively play Grand Slams—what's wrong with that? Should we wait until he's exhausted and injured to retire?"

Another网友 said, "Those 'shocked' by his Miami withdrawal are either pretending to forget or purely looking for trouble. He早就 told you the script."

Yet, another portion of网友 expressed disappointment, views closer to Navratilova's concerns.

"Theoretically agree with Roddick, emotionally can't accept it. Watching him lose to Draper at Indian Wells,总觉得 if he played more warm-up matches, the result might differ. Hope he knows what he's doing," a网友 said.

So, what do you think about Djokovic's withdrawal? Feel free to leave your views and opinions in the comments section.(Source: Tennis Home Author: Lu Xiaotian)