Islamabad – May 1, 2025: Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2025 Italian Open, adding to a string of setbacks in what has been a challenging year for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
The organizers confirmed his absence through their official social media accounts. No explanation was provided, and Djokovic himself has yet to comment publicly on the decision.
The clay-court Masters event, held in Rome from May 7 to 18, is one of the final major stops ahead of the French Open.
Djokovic, who turns 38 later this month, is a six-time champion in Rome, with his most recent title coming in 2022.
Read More: Gear Up for Chaos: Borderlands 4 Launch Date Confirmed
His withdrawal raises further questions about his fitness and form, as he continues the pursuit of his 100th ATP career title—an achievement that now seems increasingly uncertain.
This year, Djokovic has yet to lift a trophy. His 2025 season began with high hopes but has since been marked by inconsistency and unexpected defeats.
He fell to rising Czech teenager Jakub Mensik in the final of the Miami Open and suffered early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid.
Read More: PSL 10, Match 19: Updated Points Table After Qalandars Stun Islamabad
His Madrid campaign ended in a surprising loss to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, following an earlier defeat in Monaco by Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo.
Earlier in the year, Djokovic revealed that an eye infection had impaired his vision and affected his overall play. He admitted that adjusting to physical challenges at this stage in his career has not been easy.
After his early exit in Madrid, Djokovic hinted that it could have been his last appearance at the event, fuelling speculation about his future on the tour.
With the French Open fast approaching and his preparations disrupted, questions remain about how much more the tennis world will see of one of its greatest-ever players.
