 "Novak Djokovic decides against playing in Italian Open as French Open preparations take another blow")
After a shock exit from the Madrid Open, Novak Djokovic has decided to pull out of the 2025 Italian Open. The six-time Italian Open has not missed the tournament since his first appearance in 2007, but his absence in 2025 has come as a big blow to his French Open preparations.
His withdrawal from the Rome tournament also ensures that Djokovic will not complete his 100th ATP title win at the Italian Open.
The Serb former world number one was handed a shock straight-sets defeat by Italian Matteo Arnaldi in the second round of the Madrid Open over the weekend.
The 37-year-old hinted it may have been his final appearance at the tournament, and he will now head to Roland Garros without a single win on clay this year after his second-round exit in Monte Carlo.
The 24-times Grand Slam champion has not won a title on the men’s tour since his ATP Finals triumph in 2023, when he won three out of four major titles.
World number five Djokovic owns ATP Masters 1000 records for most wins (414), semi-finals (79), finals (60) and titles (40).
The French Open begins on May 25.
With agency inputs
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