Novak Djokovic withdraws from Rome after early exits in Madrid and Monte-Carlo

Novak Djokovic won’t compete in Rome, the Internazionali BNL d’Italia announced on Tuesday. A six-time champion in the Italian capital, Djokovic would have been searching for his first clay-court victory of the season—and to snap a rare three-match losing streak dating back to March.

The former world No. 1 was unable to find his best level at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters or Mutua Madrid Open, crucial tune-up events ahead of Roland Garros. In Monte Carlo, the No. 3 seed fell in straight sets to Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 6-4 in his opening match. Seeded fourth in Madrid, Djokovic fell in the second round (after a bye) to Matteo Arnaldi, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday.

Read More: Novak Djokovic loses third consecutive match, to Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid

“I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte-Carlo,” Djokovic told press after his defeat to the Italian. “Kind of new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament.

“It's a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis, so it's kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kind of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments.”

Kind of new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two. Djokovic after Madrid defeat

Djokovic, who lifted the Rome trophy in 2008, 2011, 2014-15, 2020 and 2022, holds the second-most titles in the tournament’s 82 editions after Rafael Nadal’s 10 titles. The Serbian’s absence will also end his perfect attendance streak in Italy, having competed in the last 18 editions of the tournament.

The 37-year-old is next scheduled to compete at Roland Garros, but he'll be facing a new challenge. It will be the first time since 2006 that he’ll head to the clay-court Grand Slam without a strong result on the surface in his pocket: Djokovic has reached the quarterfinals or better at either Monte Carlo, Madrid or Rome every year since his debut.

Earlier this year, Djokovic became the oldest Masters 1000 finalist in ATP history at the Miami Open, where he fell to 19-year-old Jakub Mensik in two tiebreak sets. He also reached the quarterfinals at the Australian Open, but was forced to retire after the first set against Alexander Zverev due to a hamstring injury.

Currently ranked world No. 5, Djokovic is 12-7 on the year.