In a development that has startled tennis fans and experts alike, Novak Djokovic has officially pulled out of the 2025 Rome Masters, casting a shadow over his preparations for the upcoming French Open. The 24-time Grand Slam champion will miss the event for the first time in 18 years, sparking fresh concerns about his form and physical condition as he approaches the season’s second major at Roland Garros.
A Tough Clay Season
Djokovic’s withdrawal comes at a low point in his clay-court campaign. The Serbian icon has endured a rough stretch on the red dirt this year, suffering early-round defeats in both Monte Carlo and Madrid. In Monte Carlo, he lost to Alejandro Tabilo, while in Madrid, Italian underdog Matteo Arnaldi ousted him in straight sets—an outcome that few predicted. With no match wins on clay so far in 2025, Djokovic’s absence from Rome means he will head into the French Open without any competitive momentum on the surface.
This lack of match practice is concerning, especially for a player who typically uses tournaments like Rome to fine-tune his game before a Grand Slam. Having won the Rome Masters six times, it has always been a crucial stop in Djokovic’s clay season. His decision to skip it not only deprives him of valuable match play but also raises questions about his current physical state.
A Title Drought Extends
Djokovic’s struggles are not limited to clay. In fact, the 2025 season has been uncharacteristically quiet for the world number one. He has not captured a single title since winning the ATP Finals in late 2023, which is unusual for a player who has long set the standard in men’s tennis. Despite starting the year at the top of the rankings, his performances so far have lacked the sharpness and consistency that fans have come to expect from him.
While Djokovic has not provided an official medical reason for his Rome withdrawal, speculation is growing that he may be managing a physical issue or simply attempting to conserve energy before the demanding two-week battle in Paris. At 37 years old, Djokovic is one of the oldest active players on the ATP Tour, and the grind of the clay season can take a significant toll on even the fittest athletes.
Focus on the French Open
All attention now turns to the French Open, which begins on May 25. Roland Garros is historically one of Djokovic’s most challenging Slams, yet he has won the tournament three times, including most recently in 2023. However, entering the event without a single clay-court win this season is uncharted territory for the Serbian great. His readiness—both mentally and physically—remains uncertain, and his withdrawal from Rome only amplifies those concerns.
That said, Djokovic has built a career on defying the odds. He has often used Grand Slams to reset, refocus, and deliver his best tennis, even when his lead-up form has been questionable. With a record-breaking 25th major title in his sights, few would completely count him out at Roland Garros.
Pressure from the Next Generation
Adding to the pressure are the rapidly rising stars of the ATP circuit. Players like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune are continuing to prove they can compete—and beat—the sport’s established names. Djokovic’s absence in Rome offers them a golden opportunity to gather confidence and court time heading into Paris, where all three are expected to be strong contenders.
For Djokovic, however, the bigger question remains whether this is a strategic rest period or the sign of a deeper decline. As the sport transitions to a new generation, the challenge for Djokovic is not just physical endurance, but also adapting his game to stay ahead of younger, faster, and more aggressive opponents.
Final Thoughts
Novak Djokovic’s decision to pull out of the 2025 Rome Masters is more than just a scheduling change—it could be a pivotal moment in his season. With no match wins on clay, no titles in nearly a year, and increasing scrutiny around his fitness and form, the pressure will be immense heading into the French Open. For a player of Djokovic’s caliber, however, adversity has always served as fuel. Whether he can channel it once again to make history at Roland Garros remains to be seen—but tennis fans around the world will be watching closely.