Rome Masters: the end of an era
by Cydias Aujard | by Cydias Aujard
Rome Masters: Novak Djokovic's withdrawal raises questions
On Tuesday, Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the Rome Masters 1000, which begins this Wednesday at the Foro Italico. After appearing in Monte-Carlo and Madrid, the Serb was not at his best, losing his opening matches to opponents he could have beaten (Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi).
These setbacks seem to have affected the morale of “Nole”, who decided not to take part in the event in the Italian capital, despite having won the Italian tournament on 4 occasions. One season too many for the greatest player of all time? After his defeat in Madrid, the world's 6th-ranked player raised doubts about the future of his career, suggesting that he might be making his last appearance in the Spanish capital.
His withdrawal from Rome has added fuel to the rumours that the Serb's career may be coming to an end in the coming months. However, clay courts also have a lot to do with the performances of the Balkan tennis player, who prefers to play on a fast surface. And after winning the Olympic medal last year, the last major title missing from his immense list of honours, Novak Djokovic may simply be finished with this surface.
No member of the big three in Rome for the first time in 26 years
Novak Djokovic's absence from the Rome 2025 Masters 1000 also marks the end of a golden era that has lasted more than two decades. With the Serb's withdrawal, the 2025 edition will be the first since 1999 to see no member of the Big Three (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic) taking part. This marks the end of a period that will leave the door open once and for all for the new generation to take over men's tennis.
Will Novak Djokovic miss out on Roland Garros?
With his withdrawal for the Rome Masters 1000 now a foregone conclusion, will Novak Djokovic make another appearance in our tennis predictions for Roland Garros, which gets underway at Porte d'Auteuil on 25 May?
At 37, the Serb is no longer shy about making choices, and his last appearance in the French capital saw him win the Olympic title in August 2024. Against this backdrop, the Belgrade native might like to keep one last positive image of himself winning that famous gold medal that was so close to his heart. Especially since Wimbledon will be held at the beginning of July, an event that the Serbian does not want to miss under any circumstances.
A 7-time winner of the world's oldest tournament, Novak Djokovic could, if he succeeds in 2025, draw level with the legend Roger Federer, who won 8 times in London. A goal that promises to be the ultimate challenge in the career of the Serb, who may decide to skip Roland Garros in order to be in the best physical condition.
