Djokovic withdraws from upcoming Italian Open
The Serb will miss the tournament in Rome for the first time since 2011 as his struggles for form continue
Novak Djokovic, Rome 2023 | © AI / Reuters / Panoramic
Novak Djokovic has announced that he will not take part in this year’s Italian Open.
The Serb had been due to compete in Rome, which starts next week, as he continues his search for form and consistency ahead of Roland-Garros next month.
It means that the former world No 1 will miss the tournament for the first time since 2011.
Djokovic gave no reason for his withdrawal, citing neither illness nor injury.
It is a puzzling move from the 24-time Grand Slam champion, who will now head into the season’s second Grand Slam tournament with only two clay-court matches by way of preparation. Of those two matches, Djokovic lost all four sets as he continues to grapple with a return to form.
This made it all the more important for the Serb to get in some match practise before the French Open. With the Italian Open also one of the bigger events on the schedule, Djokovic’s decision to skip the tournament without any apparent physical concerns will raise yet more questions regarding his longer-term motivations.
