In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming Italian Open, a decision that has left the tennis world buzzing. The 24-time Grand Slam champion, currently ranked World No. 5, has struggled on clay this season, suffering early exits in both Monte Carlo and Madrid. His withdrawal from this key lead-up event to the French Open raises questions about his form and fitness as he prepares for the year’s second Grand Slam.
On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, tournament organizers took to social media to confirm Djokovic's absence, stating: "Novak Djokovic has announced he won't take part to IBI25." While no specific reason was provided for his withdrawal, speculation has arisen regarding a possible boycott, especially considering the context surrounding the Italian Open.
Djokovic's decision comes on the heels of a disappointing performance at the Madrid Open, where he lost in the first round to Matteo Arnaldi, marking his third consecutive defeat after also exiting early at the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters. After his loss in Madrid, Djokovic reflected on his current struggles, saying, "I've had a few of these this year where I lose in the first round, unfortunately. Still, my level of tennis is not where I would like it to be. It could be (my last Madrid Open), it could be. I'm not sure if I will come back. So, I don't know, I don't know what to say."
At 37 years old, Djokovic is facing a new reality in his storied career. He admitted to feeling a mental challenge in adapting to early exits, stating, "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." This admission has sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about his future in the sport.
Adding to the intrigue, the Italian Open will mark the return of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner, who is coming off a three-month suspension for testing positive for a banned steroid. The timing of Sinner's return, coinciding with Djokovic's withdrawal, has not gone unnoticed. The Professional Tennis Players Association, led by Djokovic, previously criticized the lenient punishment of Sinner, calling into question the integrity of the sport's regulatory system. They stated, "The 'system' is not a system. It's a club. Supposed case-by-case discretion is, in fact, merely cover for tailored deals, unfair treatment, and inconsistent rulings."
Fans have taken to social media to express their disappointment and concern over Djokovic's withdrawal. One user pointed out, "How does he expect to compete at Roland Garros if he barely has any matches on clay?" Another commented, "I hate to say this but maybe it is time to call it a day for Djokovic. He is a true champion and will be forever remembered as one of the greatest, if not the greatest. His form is way below the level needed right now." Meanwhile, Djokovic's supporters remain hopeful, with one fan stating, "Such a bummer to hear about Novak's withdrawal from Rome! We know he's making the best choice for his health and future victories! Let's rally behind him and keep up the support, everyone! He's still the GOAT in our hearts!"
As Djokovic steps back from the Italian Open, the stage is set for other players to capitalize on his absence. One such player is Alex de Minaur, who has been making headlines with his impressive performance at the Madrid Open. De Minaur advanced to the fourth round after defeating Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), in a match that lasted less than 90 minutes. This victory not only marked his 24th win of the season, tying him with reigning Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz for the most wins this year, but it also propelled him into his fifth consecutive Masters 1000 last-16 appearance.
De Minaur's path to the fourth round was made easier by the unexpected exit of World No. 2 Alexander Zverev, who lost to Francisco Cerundolo, 7-5, 6-3. The Australian expressed his satisfaction with the win, stating, "He's got tremendous firepower from every part of the court, and I had to do my best to neutralise it, and not let him dictate as much as he could." With this victory, De Minaur is now set to face Lorenzo Musetti in the next round, further solidifying his position as a contender in Madrid.
The Madrid Open has been eventful, not only for the tennis being played but also due to the power outages that caused the postponement of 22 matches. Players had to adapt to the unusual circumstances, with some even having to eat by candlelight. Despite these challenges, the tournament has resumed, and players are eager to capitalize on their opportunities.
As the tennis community looks ahead to the French Open starting on May 25, 2025, Djokovic's absence from the Italian Open raises concerns about his readiness to compete at Roland Garros. With his recent struggles and the pressure of chasing a record 25th Grand Slam title, all eyes will be on the Serbian star as he navigates this challenging phase of his career. Will he be able to regain his form in time for the French Open? Only time will tell.
