Djokovic Withdraws From Hurlingham Exhibition Hours Before Scheduled Match

Overview

• Organisers confirmed Djokovic would face Karen Khachanov in a press release on Monday, but late on Tuesday his name was removed from the Giorgio Armani Tennis Classic schedule and no formal explanation was issued.
• American Martin Damm, ranked about No. 105, was added to the Hurlingham draw to replace Djokovic and is now listed to play Khachanov on Wednesday.
• Photographs and reports show Djokovic practising at the All England Club and receiving treatment for a stiff back, which has prompted speculation about his physical condition despite no official health update.
• Djokovic remains entered and seeded seventh for Wimbledon and his withdrawal from the exhibition does not change official entries or seedings.
• The change matters because Djokovic commonly uses the Hurlingham exhibition as informal grass preparation and his limited match play in 2026, with his last official match at Roland Garros on May 29, makes his final Wimbledon readiness a key question for fans and analysts.