Djokovic Withdraws from Italian Open

Out-of-Form Djokovic Pulls Out of Italian Open

Posted on April 30, 2025 by TennisVibes

Novak Djokovic, the world number one and a six-time champion in Rome, has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Italian Open, citing ongoing struggles with form and physical readiness.

It’s a surprising but telling decision that reflects the 22-time Grand Slam winner’s turbulent season. Djokovic hasn’t looked himself in recent tournaments, with uncharacteristic unforced errors, sluggish movement, and early exits raising concerns among fans and pundits alike.

While no specific injury has been confirmed, Djokovic has hinted in recent interviews at both mental and physical fatigue. His early loss in Madrid last week — a straight-sets defeat by a qualifier — was his earliest exit there in over a decade. The Serb didn’t look injured, but he looked disconnected, even frustrated, something rarely seen in his prime years.

“I need to listen to my body and take some time to recalibrate,” Djokovic said in a brief statement released via his team. “Rome has always been one of my favorite tournaments, but I know that pushing through in my current condition wouldn’t serve me or the fans well.”

This withdrawal marks the first time since 2006 that Djokovic will not appear at the Italian Open. While fans in Rome are undoubtedly disappointed, many agree that this break could be what the tennis legend needs to refocus ahead of Roland Garros.

Speculation now swirls around his fitness for the French Open. Will this break help him find the spark again, or are we witnessing a more permanent shift in the Djokovic era?

One thing is clear — even legends have their off seasons. And for Djokovic, perhaps this withdrawal is less about stepping back and more about stepping smartly into the next phase of his career.