Novak Djokovic pulled out of the Italian Open in the midst of a three-match losing streak, shedding doubt on how nicely he’ll have the ability to play at 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 might be held subsequent month, posted on social media that Djokovic would not be collaborating and wrote, “See you next year, Nole,” referring to the 37-year-old Serbian star by his nickname.
Djokovic has struggled this season, going simply 12-6 and dropping his past three contests in a row — at the Miami Open, the Monte Carlos Masters and, on Saturday (April 26, 2025), at the Madrid Open.
After losing to Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-4 in Spain, Djokovic stated, “It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis. It’s a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments.”
He has spent extra weeks ranked No. 1 than another 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 in the ultimate of the Paris Olympics in August.
Djokovic has repeatedly stated that what now issues to him is including to his main championships. The subsequent such occasion begins in Paris on May 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.
Published – April 30, 2025 10:59 am IST
