Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Italian open to Rome, which he should start next week.
The World No 5 is on a losing series with five games, and the last defeat arrived at Madrid Open on Saturday, when he lost to World no. 44 Mattea Arnaldi, leaving a Serb still hunting for his first victory in the clay season.
Last year, Djokovic had a disappointing campaign at the International BNL D’Atalia, beating only one match before collapsing from the tournament, although since he debuted in the 2007 tournament, he competed in it every year and earned 68-12 records, including six titles.
“I don’t think it’s a big surprise in the sense that it didn’t look like he was overly happy on the tennis court in the last few tournaments,” said British tennis coach Jamie Delgado.
“His goal is obviously open French, and he sees the best way to prepare for this is to take the time, rest and get energy for Paris.
“It’s also a big decision, because, especially on Glina, he wouldn’t have matches he would like to go in French open, but it’s some of the gifts and take it – take a break and refresh the brain for big but without matches. It’s happy for that option.”
After losing to Arnaldi 6-3 6-4 in Spain, Djokovic said: “This is a completely different feeling than what I had in 20 years of professional tennis.
“It is a mental challenge for me to really deal with such sensations on the field, and now I regularly go out to tournaments.”
Djokovic spent more weeks ranked no. 1 than any other tennis player, but is currently sitting in fifth place.
The only title that Serb won in 2024 or 2025 was a gold medal claimed by defeating Carlos Alcaraz in the finals of the Paris Olympic Games in August.
Djokovic also retired during the Australian Open this January due to the torn knee muscle.
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2025-04-29 18:03:00
