Novak Djokovic withdraws from Rome Masters

Six-time champion Novak Djokovic will not compete at the upcoming Rome Masters next week. As was expected, Novak took a break following the Madrid Masters and an early loss. The legend will hit the practice court and try to raise his level ahead of Roland Garros.

Djokovic is the second-most successful player at the Rome Masters. The Serb is 68-12 at Foro Italico, clinching six titles and reaching the quarter-final in every season between 2007 and 2023! Novak will miss the main draw in the Italian capital for the first time since 2006.

After embracing that incredible streak and clinching almost 70 wins at one of his favorite clay-court tournaments, Djokovic suffered is earliest loss a year ago after falling to Alejandro Tabilo 6-2, 6-3. 

Rome 2016: Novak clinched one of the greatest set points against Rafael Nadal.@DjokerNole’s celebration said it all – tennis truly peaked at that moment! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/j0kntM3pI3

— Shane (@Shanegupta22) August 18, 2024

The legend is 12-7 this season. Novak clinched the Olympic Games gold medal last August in Paris and slowed down a bit. He finished the 2024 season in the top-5 and targeted more success this year. However, the results are yet to come for the greatest player of all time.

The 37-year-old reached the Australian Open semi-final after beating Carlos Alcaraz. However, he injured his right leg and retired against Alexander Zverev in the last four. Djokovic experienced more early losses in Doha and Indian Wells. 

Competing in Miami for the first time in six years, Novak raised his level and advanced into the title clash. Chasing his 100th ATP title, the Serb experienced a tight 7-6, 7-6 defeat to Jakub Mensik in just over two hours.

They traded one break in the opening set and stayed neck and neck. A teenager claimed the pivotal points and sealed the deal en route to his first ATP title. Djokovic suffered an early loss in Monte Carlo, falling to…