Djokovic to miss home event

World number one Novak Djokovic will skip next week's Serbia Open in a bid to recharge his batteries ahead of the Madrid Masters 1000 event.

Serb Djokovic is a two-time winner at his home event in Belgrade, as well as the reigning champion.

However, after a gruelling start to the claycourt season, both physically and emotionally, Djokovic has opted for a week off ahead of his title defence in Madrid.

"I have decided not to take part in the Serbia Open to try to get some much-needed rest," he said. "This is probably one of the most difficult decisions I have made in my career.

"But it is impossible for me to play in the coming days and think of tennis when other things are on my mind."

Djokovic lost to great rival Rafael Nadal in the Monte Carlo Masters final on Sunday, just days after the death of his grandfather.