What led to Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the Italian Open 2025? Explore here

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic is enduring one of the toughest stretches of his career in the 2025 season, failing to clinch a single title so far. The Serbian icon, chasing a historic 25th major trophy, has faced a cascade of setbacks since January. His campaign began with a heartbreaking exit from the Australian Open semifinals due to a hamstring injury, followed by a shaky comeback at the Qatar Open that ended in a first-round defeat.

Struggles continued at Indian Wells, Miami, Monte Carlo, and the Madrid Open, where he fell to Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi in his opening match. Now, another blow: Djoker has withdrawn from the Italian Open. But what’s behind this decision?

Physical strain and mental battles behind Novak Djokovic’s Rome exit

Serbinator’s withdrawal from Rome, announced via the tournament’s social media with a bittersweet “See you next year, Nole,” comes amid a rare three-match losing streak. The 37-year-old’s recent performances have raised concerns about his readiness for the French Open, where he aims to secure his elusive 25th Grand Slam. But the reasons for his Rome exit run deeper than surface-level setbacks.

1. Mounting physical wear and tear

Novak Djokovic’s 2025 struggles are compounded by lingering physical issues. Earlier this year, a torn hamstring forced him out of the Australian Open, disrupting his rhythm. Though he returned for the Paris Olympics in August 2024—winning gold against Carlos Alcaraz—the grind of recovery has taken a toll. Last year’s knee injury at Roland Garros, which required surgery, and recurring muscle strains have left his body vulnerable. With clay-court tournaments demanding grueling rallies, prioritizing health over Rome became a pragmatic choice.

2. A mental hurdle unlike any other

The mental toll of Djokovic’s slump is equally critical. After his Madrid Open loss, he confessed to grappling with unfamiliar emotions, calling the phase a “mental challenge” after two decades of dominance. Early exits have become a pattern—his 12-6 win-loss record this season pales compared to past glory. Once a relentless competitor, Novak Djokovic now faces doubts about his ability to rebound, admitting the pressure to chase milestones like his 100th tour title weighs heavily.

3. Strategic focus on grand slams

With his No. 5 ranking—his lowest in years—Djokovic has shifted focus to peak performance at majors. Skipping Rome allows him to conserve energy for Roland Garros, where he’s repeatedly triumphed. Last year’s mid-tournament withdrawal in Paris due to knee surgery remains fresh, making this year’s preparation crucial. By avoiding the physical and emotional drain of Rome, he gains time to recalibrate.

4. The shadow of past injuries

Novak Djokovic’s recent history of abrupt exits—from Melbourne’s hamstring tear to Madrid’s swift defeat—highlights a body pushed to its limits. At 37, balancing recovery with ambition grows harder. His team likely prioritized minimizing injury risks ahead of the French Open, where a deep run could reignite his legacy.

What’s Next for the Serb?

The Serbian’s withdrawal sparks questions about his longevity. Can he overcome this slump to claim Roland Garros, or is time finally catching up with the legend? Fans and analysts alike will watch closely as Paris approaches. For now, Djokovic’s absence in Rome underscores a harsh reality: Even giants of the game must sometimes retreat to fight another day.