ROME — Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has withdrawn from the Italian Open, dealing another setback to his preparations for the upcoming French Open. The Serbian star, who has struggled with form and fitness in recent months, cited concerns over his physical condition as the primary reason for his absence.
The Italian Open, a key clay-court warm-up event before Roland Garros, was expected to be Djokovic’s final tournament before the year’s second Grand Slam. His withdrawal marks the latest chapter in what has been a turbulent season for the world No. 1, who has yet to win a title in 2024 and has faced uncharacteristic early exits in several tournaments.
A Season of Struggles
Djokovic’s decision to skip Rome comes after a surprising third-round loss at the Monte-Carlo Masters and a semifinal exit in Belgrade. The 36-year-old has been open about his struggles, admitting in a recent press conference: "I’m not where I want to be physically. My body is still adjusting, and I need to be smart about my schedule."
Key factors contributing to Djokovic’s dip in form include:
- A lingering elbow issue that has hampered his serve
- Fatigue from a condensed 2023 season, where he played deep into multiple Slams
- The mental toll of maintaining peak performance at an age when most players decline
Impact on Roland Garros Hopes
With just two weeks remaining before the French Open, Djokovic’s lack of match play raises questions about his readiness to defend his 2023 title. Clay-court specialists like Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal have already logged significant hours on the surface, while Djokovic will enter Paris with only seven matches under his belt since January.
Tennis analyst Brad Gilbert noted: "Novak thrives on rhythm, and right now, he doesn’t have it. Skipping Rome means he’ll have to find his game in the early rounds of Roland Garros, which is never ideal."
Historical Precedents
Djokovic has previously succeeded at Grand Slams with limited preparation—most notably at the 2021 Australian Open, where he won despite minimal warm-up matches. However, clay demands more physical resilience, and his recent performances suggest he may not be at his usual dominant level.
Tournament Reactions
Italian Open organizers expressed disappointment but understanding over Djokovic’s withdrawal. Tournament director Angelo Binaghi stated: "Novak is a legend of our sport, and his presence is always a highlight. We respect his decision and wish him a speedy recovery."
Djokovic’s absence opens the door for other contenders, including:
- Jannik Sinner, the rising Italian star
- Stefanos Tsitsipas, a former French Open finalist
- Daniil Medvedev, who has shown improved clay-court form
What’s Next for Djokovic?
Djokovic’s team has confirmed he will travel to Paris early to train privately on Roland Garros’ courts. His coach, Goran Ivanišević, emphasized: "The priority is getting him 100% fit for the French Open. If that means missing Rome, so be it."
The Serbian’s withdrawal also reignites discussions about his longevity. While he remains the most successful men’s player in history, the physical demands of the tour are beginning to show. Former rival Andy Roddick remarked: "Father Time is undefeated, but Novak has defied logic before. I wouldn’t count him out yet."
Conclusion
Djokovic’s absence from the Italian Open is a significant blow to both the tournament and his own preparations. While his withdrawal may be a precautionary measure, it underscores the challenges he faces in maintaining his dominance at this stage of his career. All eyes will now be on whether he can summon one more vintage performance at Roland Garros.
As the tennis world waits, Djokovic’s legacy remains secure—but his hunger for more titles ensures this won’t be the last chapter in his storied career. Whether he can add to his 24 Slams in 2024, however, remains an open question.