Six-time champion Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Rome Masters, marking the first time since 2006 that he will miss the prestigious clay-court event in the Italian capital.
Following an early exit from the Madrid Open, Djokovic has opted to take additional time off to train and reset ahead of Roland Garros. The 24-time Grand Slam champion is expected to continue preparations, likely at his training base in Marbella, as he works to regain peak form in time for the Paris major.
Djokovic is one of the most successful players in the history of the Rome Masters, boasting a 68–12 career record at Foro Italico. Between 2007 and 2023, the Serbian icon reached the quarterfinals or better every year, lifting six titles along the way.
However, signs of a dip in form have become more frequent. After suffering his earliest-ever Rome exit last year at the hands of Alejandro Tabilo (6-2, 6-3), Djokovic has continued to struggle in 2025.
This season, the 37-year-old holds a 12–7 match record. He reached the semifinals at the Australian Open—beating Carlos Alcaraz along the way—before retiring due to a leg injury in his match against Alexander Zverev. Early losses followed in Doha, Indian Wells, and Monte Carlo, where he again fell to Tabilo.
In Miami, Djokovic showed signs of resurgence, reaching the final in his first appearance there since 2019. Yet, he fell just short of his 100th ATP title in a tight 7-6, 7-6 defeat to rising Czech teenager Jakub Mensik.
His latest disappointment came in Madrid, where he was ousted in the second round by Matteo Arnaldi—marking the fourth time this season he failed to win a match at a tournament.
Now turning his focus fully to Roland Garros, Djokovic will aim to capture his fourth title in Paris, where he remains one of the top contenders despite a turbulent start to the year.
