In a season already fraught with unexpected setbacks, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has sent shockwaves through the tennis world by withdrawing from the 2025 Italian Open, a cornerstone of the clay-court season. The decision, announced on April 29, 2025, comes on the heels of a disheartening second-round loss to Matteo Arnaldi at the Madrid Open, marking the Serbian’s third consecutive defeat. Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, reacted with a succinct yet telling two-word comment on social media: “Oh dear.” Her response encapsulates the growing unease surrounding Djokovic’s form, confidence, and future as he approaches his 38th birthday and the looming French Open.
Djokovic’s Madrid exit was a stark departure from the dominance that has defined his career. Facing world No. 44 Arnaldi, the world No. 5 struggled, committing 32 unforced errors in a 6-3, 6-4 defeat. “The worry index continues for Novak,” Stubbs had posted earlier, pointing to his inability to “lock down in the biggest moments” and noting that younger players no longer seem intimidated by the once-invincible Serb. The Italian Open withdrawal, confirmed by the tournament’s official channels, amplifies these concerns, raising questions about whether Djokovic will return to Rome, where he has clinched six titles, or if his focus is shifting to Roland Garros, starting May 25.
The 2025 season has been a rollercoaster for Djokovic. Despite a semifinal run at the Australian Open, where a hamstring injury forced him to retire against Alexander Zverev, and a final appearance at the Miami Open, where he fell to Jakub Mensik, his campaign has been marred by early exits. Losses to Alejandro Tabilo at Monte-Carlo, Matteo Berrettini in Qatar, and Botic van de Zandschulp at Indian Wells have left him with a 12-7 record—a far cry from his peak years. Stubbs, a former doubles world No. 1 and ESPN analyst, has been vocal about the toll of age and the grueling demands of the tour. “At some point in an athlete’s professional life, u hit a wall, age, stress, travel, family life, packing bags, flights, customs, hours on court, in the gym, it gets harder & harder,” she observed, suggesting that Djokovic’s “aura” has faded, allowing opponents to seize control.
Djokovic himself hinted at uncertainty after Madrid, telling reporters, “It could be. It could be,” when asked if the loss might be his last match at the tournament. His decision to skip Rome, a key preparatory event for the French Open, where he last won in 2023, has fueled speculation about his physical and mental state. A lingering eye infection, which plagued him since Miami and was evident in Monte-Carlo, may also be a factor, though Djokovic downplayed it as a “minor thing.” Stubbs, however, questioned the severity of the issue, posting, “Can someone tell me what the hell is going on with his eye?? I mean it looks like a large stye but that shouldn’t be that big now!??”
Despite the gloom, Stubbs believes Djokovic’s greatness endures. “Do I think he can still win a Slam? Of course! He’s the greatest player of all time,” she said, though she cautioned that his dwindling confidence—evident in moments like double-faulting twice to lose serve in Madrid—is a hurdle. “U have to win & I worry the motivation is gone,” she added. Fans on social media echo this mix of hope and concern, with some praising Djokovic’s Olympic gold in 2024 as proof of his resilience, while others fear “Father Time” is closing in.
As the tennis world turns its eyes to Paris, Djokovic’s withdrawal from Rome casts a long shadow. Will the Serbian legend rediscover the spark that has carried him to 99 tour titles, or is this the beginning of a quieter chapter? Stubbs’ “Oh dear” speaks volumes, a poignant marker of a champion at a crossroads.
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