New Delhi:

The announcement was made by the tournament organisers via social media, confirming that Djokovic will not be part of this year’s draw. “See you next year, Nole,” read their brief but telling message.

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the 2025 Italian Open, adding another worrying sign to what has already been a difficult season for the Serbian superstar. The 36-year-old’s absence from one of his favourite clay-court tournaments has sparked fresh concerns over both his fitness and form, with just weeks to go before the French Open.

This marks the first time since 2007 that Djokovic will not compete in Rome, ending an 18-year streak at the tournament where he has won the title six times. He has lifted the trophy in 2008, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2020 and 2022, making his absence even more striking.

A tough season for the tennis great

The defeat to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid by a scoreline of 6-3, 6-4 was particularly alarming. It marked the third straight tournament where Djokovic bowed out in his opening match. After the loss, he admitted the situation was unfamiliar territory. “It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis,” he said, hinting at the mental challenge of adjusting to these results.

Djokovic has been struggling with form throughout 2025. Since his early exit at the Australian Open due to injury, he has failed to win a match in four of the five events he has entered. Losses in Qatar, then in Indian Wells, followed by Monte Carlo, and most recently Madrid, have raised concerns among fans and experts alike. His only deep run came at the Miami Open, where he reached the final but lost to 19-year-old Czech rising star Jakub Mensik.

With the French Open set to start on May 25, Djokovic’s decision to skip Rome means he will head to Roland Garros without a single clay-court match win this season. That’s a first since 2006, a staggering stat for a player of his calibre.

Despite being currently ranked No. 5 and holding 12 wins in 19 matches this year, the question looms- can Djokovic bounce back in time to challenge for the Roland Garros title? With time running out and confidence shaken, all eyes will be on Paris to see if the tennis legend can turn things around.

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