Out-of-form Djokovic Withdraws From Italian Open

Novak Djokovic will not return portion successful nan Italian Open adjacent week successful different rustle to nan 24-time Grand Slam winner's preparations for Roland Garros.

Djokovic has competed successful Rome successful each play since 2007 and has won nan arena six times, astir precocious successful 2022.

However organisers of nan tourney announced connected societal media, external that nan Serb will not play successful 2025, pinch nary logic given.

It follows Djokovic losing his opening lucifer of nan Madrid Open past week, and continues a troubled commencement to nan twelvemonth for nan 37-year-old.

Djokovic, who is 1 triumph from his 100th ATP title, has not won a awesome trophy truthful acold this season, and his past title came during nan 2024 Olympics successful Paris.

The world number 5 has suffered early exits successful 2 clay tribunal tournaments successful caller weeks, successful Monte Carlo and Madrid.

After losing to Italy's Matteo Arnaldi successful Spain, Djokovic hinted it could beryllium his last quality astatine nan Madrid Open.

"It is benignant of a caller reality for me, I person to say, trying to triumph a lucifer aliases two, not really reasoning astir getting acold successful nan tournament," Djokovic said aft his nonaccomplishment successful Madrid.

His withdrawal from Rome intends he is improbable to play different competitory lucifer earlier nan French Open starts connected May 26.

Djokovic has antecedently won 3 French Open titles.