Courier labels Djokovic’s shock Rome pullout ‘very strange’ and ‘worrying’

In a surprising turn of events, Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the 2025 Italian Open, a tournament he has graced every year since 2007. This decision comes on the heels of early exits in Monte Carlo and Madrid, leaving the tennis world speculating about the implications for his performance at the upcoming French Open. Former world number one Jim Courier described the move as “very strange” and “worrying,” raising concerns about Djokovic’s form and readiness for Roland Garros .SuperSport+12Reuters+12CNA+12Reuters+3Tennis Temple+3Reuters+3Flashscore+2Reuters+2SuperSport+2

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Djokovic’s Clay Court Struggles in 2025

Djokovic’s 2025 clay season has been uncharacteristically challenging. He suffered straight-set losses in his opening matches at both the Monte Carlo Masters and the Madrid Open, falling to Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi, respectively . These defeats mark a three-match losing streak, a rarity for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.Latest news & breaking headlines+5Newsfile+5Newsfile+5

His withdrawal from Rome means he will enter Roland Garros without a single clay-court victory this season, a first since his debut in 2005 . This lack of match play on clay surfaces raises questions about his preparedness for the grueling demands of the French Open.Diario AS+1Cadena SER+1

Courier’s Concerns and the Importance of Rome

Jim Courier, a two-time French Open champion, expressed unease over Djokovic’s decision to skip Rome. He noted that the Italian Open’s conditions closely resemble those of Roland Garros, making it an ideal preparatory ground. “It’s a very strange thing to announce a pullout now, well in advance of it,” Courier remarked, highlighting the unusual nature of Djokovic’s early withdrawal Flashscore.

Rome has historically been a stronghold for Djokovic, where he has secured six titles and maintained a 68-12 win-loss record ATP Tour. His absence from this key tournament disrupts a long-standing tradition and potentially hampers his momentum heading into Paris.

Potential Reasons Behind the Withdrawal

While Djokovic has not provided a specific reason for his withdrawal, several factors could be at play:

Physical Health: At 37, managing physical strain is crucial. The decision might be a preventive measure to avoid injury ahead of Roland Garros.
Mental Fatigue: The recent string of losses could have impacted his confidence, prompting a need for mental recuperation.
Strategic Planning: Djokovic might be focusing on tailored preparation, possibly considering participation in smaller tournaments like Geneva or Hamburg to regain form without the pressure of a Masters 1000 event.

Implications for the French Open

Entering Roland Garros without match wins on clay is unprecedented for Djokovic. This scenario raises concerns about his ability to adapt to the surface’s demands during the tournament. However, his track record at Grand Slams suggests he should not be underestimated. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether this strategic withdrawal will pay dividends or signal deeper issues in his game.

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Conclusion

Novak Djokovic’s unexpected withdrawal from the Italian Open has stirred discussions about his current form and readiness for the French Open. While the move is unconventional, it may be a calculated decision aimed at preserving his health and focusing on peak performance at Roland Garros. As the tennis world watches closely, only time will reveal the effectiveness of this strategy.