In a stunning twist that has sent shockwaves through the tennis world, Novak Djokovic, the 24-time Grand Slam champion, has withdrawn from the 2025 Rome Masters, marking his first absence from the prestigious clay-court tournament since 2007. The announcement, made on April 29, 2025, comes on the heels of a disheartening second-round exit at the Madrid Open, where the Serbian star fell to Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets. With Roland Garros looming just weeks away, Djokovic’s decision to skip the Italian Open—a key preparatory event where he has claimed six titles—has ignited speculation about his form, health, and strategy heading into the French Open, where he is the defending champion.
Djokovic’s 2025 season has been a turbulent departure from his usual dominance. The 37-year-old, who holds a record 40 ATP Masters 1000 titles, has yet to secure a title this year, a stark contrast to his illustrious career. His clay-court campaign has been particularly troubling, with back-to-back opening-match losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid, followed by a third consecutive defeat to Arnaldi. “It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis,” Djokovic admitted after his Madrid loss, revealing the mental toll of his early exits. These struggles, coupled with a muscle tear in his left leg that forced him to retire during the Australian Open semifinals, have raised questions about his physical condition and readiness for the grueling clay season.
The Rome Masters, often seen as the closest simulation to Roland Garros due to its red clay and competitive field, has been a cornerstone of Djokovic’s preparation in years past. His absence is particularly notable given his storied history at the event, where he reached at least the quarterfinals in 17 consecutive appearances. “I usually don’t play tournaments before the Slams, but considering that it is held in Belgrade, it draws me more to play,” Djokovic once said about balancing his schedule, hinting at his selective approach to tournaments. This time, however, his withdrawal from Rome suggests a calculated move to prioritize recovery and focus on the French Open, where he aims to capture a record-extending 25th Grand Slam title.
Fans and彼此
The tennis community is abuzz with reactions to Djokovic’s decision. “Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from Rome. After all the threats he received from Sinner fans, this was the smart decision,” one supporter posted on X, referencing unverified claims of external pressures. Others expressed concern about his form: “He will enter Roland Garros on a 3-match losing streak and 0-2 on clay in 2025…” The absence of other top players, with Carlos Alcaraz doubtful for Rome due to a muscle injury and Jannik Sinner’s participation uncertain, further amplifies the tournament’s unpredictability.
Djokovic’s withdrawal also has implications for the world No. 1 ranking. His third-round loss to Alejandro Tabilo in Rome last year already narrowed his lead over Sinner, and with 2,000 ranking points to defend at Roland Garros, the Italian could overtake him if Djokovic falters in Paris. “As the defending champion, Djokovic will be defending 2000 PIF ATP Rankings points at the clay-court major,” analysts noted, underscoring the stakes.
Despite the setbacks, Djokovic’s resilience remains a hallmark of his career. His recent appointment of longtime rival Andy Murray as his coach for the Australian Open signals a fresh approach to reclaiming his edge. “I tried,” Djokovic said after his Australian Open injury, reflecting his determination to push through adversity. As he rests and recalibrates, the tennis world watches eagerly, wondering if the Serbian legend can summon his trademark brilliance at Roland Garros or if this withdrawal marks a deeper shift in his storied career.
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