Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Italian Open in Rome, marking the end of a remarkable streak of appearances dating back to 2007 and raising serious questions about his form and fitness ahead of Roland Garros.
The 37-year-old Serbian star, who will turn 38 just before the French Open kicks off on 25 May, has endured a frustrating clay-court campaign this season, failing to secure a single victory on the surface and exiting early from both the Monte Carlo Masters and Madrid Open.
Djokovic, a six-time champion in Rome, was widely expected to use the tournament as a key part of his preparation for Roland Garros — an event where he will be chasing a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title and his first major title since Wimbledon 2023.
His withdrawal has sparked concern across the tennis community, with former French Open champion Jim Courier among those expressing doubts about Djokovic’s readiness to compete at the highest level.
“Rome is the closest in terms of conditions to Roland Garros,” Courier said. “Missing out on this opportunity to find rhythm and confidence on clay is a worrying sign, especially for a player who thrives on match repetition and momentum.”
Djokovic’s camp has yet to confirm a specific reason for the withdrawal, though it follows a string of subdued performances this year. The Serbian has not captured a title since winning the ATP Finals in November 2023, and his current form contrasts sharply with the dominant standard he set in previous seasons.
The Rome Masters had represented another opportunity for Djokovic to edge closer to a historic 100th career ATP title. That milestone, along with a potential third title at Roland Garros, now hangs in the balance as fitness and form cast long shadows over his 2025 campaign.
Rome has long been a stronghold for Djokovic, who holds a 67–10 win-loss record at the tournament and has reached the final in 13 of his 17 appearances. His absence this year ends a run of 17 consecutive participations and removes one of the tournament’s main attractions.
With Rafael Nadal also facing an uncertain path to Paris amid injury concerns, the men’s field at Roland Garros may see a significant generational shift, placing the spotlight firmly on players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Daniil Medvedev to lead the charge.
Djokovic’s team is expected to provide further updates in the coming weeks. While he remains entered for Roland Garros, his readiness and competitiveness are increasingly under scrutiny.
For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion can recover in time to make a serious challenge in Paris — or whether a new name will emerge to seize the spotlight in 2025.
