Struggling Novak Djokovic pulls out of Rome forward of French Open 2025

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the upcoming Italian Open, additional fuelling uncertainty round his participation within the 2025 French Open. The clay-court match in Rome confirmed Djokovic’s exit via a particular social media submit, because the 36-year-old continues to wrestle with poor type following a shock early exit on the Madrid Open.

Djokovic’s latest struggles have been beneath intense scrutiny, notably after Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi surprised the previous World No. 1 with a 6-3, 6-4 straight-set win within the Spherical of 64 on the Manolo Santana Stadium. Put up-match, Djokovic made delicate feedback that sparked hypothesis about his future within the sport.

“Novak Djokovic has introduced he will not participate to #IBI25…See you subsequent yr, Nole,” Internazionali BNL d’Italia stated of their submit.

The Serbian star has now crashed out within the opening rounds of 4 out of 5 tournaments because the Australian Open—specifically the Qatar Open, Indian Wells Masters, Monte Carlo Masters, and most lately, Madrid. His solely stable run got here on the Miami Open, the place he reached the ultimate however misplaced to Czech teen Jakub Mensik.

Skipping the Italian Open marks a big break in custom for Djokovic. This would be the first time since his debut within the Rome match again in 2007 that he gained’t function within the competitors.

Regardless of the rising issues, Djokovic has made it clear that his high precedence is successful Grand Slams. His subsequent alternative to do this comes at Roland Garros, with the French Open kicking off in Paris on Might 25.