Rome Masters: The End of an Era
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
Rome Masters: Djokovic’s Withdrawal Raises Questions
Last Tuesday, Novak Djokovic officially pulled out of the Italian Open, which kicks off this Wednesday at the Foro Italico. After competing in Monte Carlo and Madrid, the Serbian star didn’t look like himself, suffering early-round losses to players he’d typically be expected to beat, Alejandro Tabilo and Matteo Arnaldi.
Those defeats seem to have taken a toll on Djokovic, who chose to skip the tournament in the Italian capital, despite having won it four times. Could this be one season too many for the greatest player of all time? After his loss in Madrid, the current world No. 6 hinted that it might have been his final appearance in the Spanish capital, casting fresh uncertainty on his future.
His withdrawal from Rome only fuels speculation that retirement could be looming in the coming months. But it’s also worth noting that clay has never been Djokovic’s favorite surface; he’s long preferred faster courts. And after finally capturing Olympic gold last year, the last major title missing from his resume, maybe he’s simply done with the grind of clay-court tennis.
No Big Three in Rome for the First Time in 26 Years
Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the 2025 Rome Masters marks the end of a golden era. For the first time since 1999, none of the Big Three (Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Novak Djokovic) will be competing in the tournament. With the Serb out, this edition officially closes a historic chapter in men’s tennis and signals that the door is now fully open for the next generation to take over.
Will Novak Djokovic Skip the French Open
With his withdrawal from the Rome Masters now official, the big question is whether Novak Djokovic will appear in our tennis predictions for the French Open, which begins May 25.
At 37, the Serbian star is becoming more selective with his schedule. His last appearance in Paris saw him win Olympic gold in August 2024, a career-defining moment that may have given him the perfect sendoff on French soil. Djokovic may well prefer to preserve that lasting image rather than risk a disappointing showing on a surface that no longer suits him.
Especially with Wimbledon looming in early July, a tournament Djokovic has no intention of missing. The Serb has lifted the trophy there seven times, and a win in 2025 would tie Roger Federer’s all-time record of eight Wimbledon titles. That pursuit could be the ultimate challenge of Djokovic’s legendary career, and skipping the French Open might be the strategic move to give himself the best possible shot.
