Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Italian Open, experiencing a streak of three consecutive losses and ongoing difficulties with his performance.
This exit signifies that the 24-time Grand Slam singles title holder will enter the French Open at the end of May without securing a victory on clay this year.
He has triumphed at Roland Garros on three occasions previously, with his last win occurring in 2023.
The events held in Madrid and Rome frequently serve as preparation tournaments for Roland Garros, allowing players like Djokovic to find their footing on clay prior to the second Grand Slam of the year.
No explanation has been provided for his exit, raising concerns for former French Open winner Jim Courier.
“It’s concerning because it’s the best venue to prepare for Roland Garros,” Courier mentioned on TCLive. “The conditions are quite alike. You’re back at sea level.
If a player is to choose between Madrid and Rome, Rome is the preferred one to compete in for Roland Garros preparation.
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“It’s quite unusual to announce a withdrawal now, so far in advance, and we’ll observe the implications when we reach Roland Garros,” Courier continued.
It will be the first occasion for Djokovic not to participate in the Internazionali BNL d’Italia since he first entered the main draw back in 2007.
His choice to step back comes following a series of defeats.
Recently, the Serbian was defeated by world no. 44 Matteo Arnaldi in his initial match of the Madrid Open.
Prior to that, he suffered a loss to Alejandro Tabilo in the Round of 32 at the Monte-Carlo Masters in early April.
His most impressive outing this year occurred in March, which sparked some optimism regarding his potential comeback.
He reached the final of the Miami Open but ultimately lost to Jakub Menšík. Now, that achievement appears to be more of an anomaly.
The current world number five also had to withdraw during the semifinal of the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam, in January due to a leg issue.
