ROME — Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Italian Open on Tuesday within the midst of a three-match shedding streak, shedding doubt on how nicely he’ll have the ability to play on the upcoming French Open as he continues to hunt a document twenty fifth Grand Slam trophy and one hundredth match title total.
The clay-court occasion in Rome, which will likely be held subsequent month, posted on social media that Djokovic would not be taking part and wrote: “See you subsequent yr, Nole,” referring to the 37-year-old Serbian star by his nickname.
Djokovic has struggled this season, going simply 12-6 and dropping his previous three contests in a row — on the Miami Open, the Monte Carlos Masters and, on Saturday, on the Madrid Open.
After shedding to Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-4 in Spain, Djokovic mentioned: “It’s a totally completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years {of professional} tennis. It’s a problem for me mentally to essentially face these sorts of sensations on the courtroom, going out early now often in tournaments.”
He has spent extra weeks ranked No. 1 than every other tennis participant however is at present No. 5. His solely title in 2024 or 2025 was the gold medal he claimed by beating Carlos Alcaraz within the remaining of the Paris Olympics in August.
Djokovic has repeatedly mentioned that what now issues to him is including to his main championships. The subsequent such occasion begins in Paris on Could 25.
He needed to withdraw throughout final yr’s match at Roland Garros due to a knee damage that required surgical procedure. Djokovic additionally stopped throughout the Australian Open this January due to a torn hamstring muscle.
