These measures have already pushed the current world No. 1, Novak Djokovic, to withdraw from the Italian Open. It will be his first ever absence from the Internazionali BNL d’Italia since 2007. The Serbian tennis star announced his move after a series of lackluster showings. Overdue with a three-match losing streak in his rearview, worries about his form are deepening as he approaches the French Open.
The cracks in Djokovic’s armor first appeared earlier this year. Their rise culminated in the stunning moment when a leg injury forced him to retire mid-match during semifinals of the Australian Open. Unfortunately since then, he has dealt with some serious injury woes on the court. His best performance this season occurred in March when he reached the final of the Miami Open but ultimately lost to Jakub Menšík. This seemingly uncontested victory was the beginning of a bright ray of optimism for his comeback. Those wins were almost immediately followed by defeats that dulled that optimism.
Early April, he had that shock defeat to Alejandro Tabilo at the Monte-Carlo Masters. Just last week, he lost to world No. 44 Matteo Arnaldi in his first match at the Madrid Open. Sadly, he did not prevail in that fight on April 26. Beyond the painful losses, these have all created compounding impacts on his present-day reality. Looking towards Roland Garros, where he is a three-time champion, he continued his search for his first victory this season on clay. His most recent success at this hallowed of tournaments occurred, somewhat presciently, in 2023.
In a press conference reflecting on his current predicament, Djokovic was realistic about the burden he carries. “Kind of a new reality for me, I have to say,” he remarked. He began by underscoring what an emotional toll it takes to be racing under such circumstances. I mean I’m not really thinking about winning the tournament, but I’m just focused on winning a match or two,” he added. It’s a much different experience and emotion than I had with 20-plus years of pro tennis.
Djokovic’s acknowledgement underscores the mental hurdle he is facing as he tries to adjust to these startling new realities in his career. A really big mental challenge to deal with these types of sensations on the court … you know, that’s I suppose the circle of life of this career. It was inevitable,” he added.
As Novak Djokovic heads to the French Open, it’s clear that doubts hang over him and his chances of returning to his winning ways. He has subsequently pulled out of the Italian Open. In short, this could all be a shrewd tactical approach to give his squad time to regroup and refocus before jumping into a critical tournament for his career.
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