Record 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic will not compete in this year’s Italian Open in Rome, scheduled from 7–18 May, tournament organisers confirmed on Tuesday.
“Novak Djokovic has announced he won’t take part in #IBI25. See you next year, Nole,” organisers of the clay-court event posted on social media.
No reason was given for the 37-year-old Serbian’s withdrawal.
Djokovic, a six-time winner in Rome — most recently in 2022 — is still searching for his 100th ATP title, with this decision extending the wait.
The world number five has had a rocky start to 2025 and is yet to claim a title this season. His most recent trophy came at the Paris Olympics last summer — held at Roland Garros, which will host the next Grand Slam in late May and June.
Djokovic was runner-up at the Miami Open last month, losing to 18-year-old Czech Jakub Mensik. He then suffered early exits at both the Monte Carlo and Madrid Masters.
The Serb was knocked out of the Madrid Open on Saturday by Italy’s Matteo Arnaldi, having previously lost to Alejandro Tabilo in his Monte Carlo opener.
Before the clay season began, Djokovic revealed he had been dealing with the after-effects of an eye infection.