Novak Djokovic has formally withdrawn from the Italian Open, which is scheduled to start on May 7, 2025, a decision that has shocked the tennis world. Long-time ruler of Rome’s clay courts, the 24-time Grand Slam champion will enter the French Open later this month without a single match victory on clay in 2025.

Novak Djokovic withdrew from the Italian Open on Tuesday, which is set to begin on May 7. It's the first time he won't play the tournament since he made his first appearance there in 2007. This decision by the 24-time major champion comes as he's currently on a three-match losing streak.

Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the Italian Open, tournament organizers confirmed April 29. Djokovic, who has said his only goal for this clay-court season is the French Open in Paris, is now unlikely to play a competitive match before it begins in late May.