Djokovic's Rome Withdrawal Sparks Concern

Novak Djokovic's sudden withdrawal from the Italian Open raises concerns ahead of the French Open, with Jim Courier calling it 'very strange' and 'worrying' for the tennis star.

Novak Djokovic's sudden withdrawal from the Italian Open is a worrying sign for his fans, especially with the French Open looming, according to former Roland Garros winner Jim Courier. Djokovic, 38, hasn't won a clay match this season and has struggled in recent Masters tournaments.

Courier finds Djokovic's decision to pull out of Rome “strange” and “worrying,” particularly since Rome's conditions closely resemble those of Paris, making it an ideal warm-up for the French Open. Djokovic's losses in Monte Carlo and Madrid have raised concerns, and he's now chasing a 100th tour-level title after accepting a “new reality” in tennis, where winning a match or two is a significant goal. Courier sums it up, “I don't know what to make of it, but I don't like the way it feels in the gut.”

Novak Djokovic was expected to start his clay season in Rome but has decided to skip the Masters 1000 event without giving a reason.

"It's worrying for me, as a Novak fan" 😕

Jim Courier and the #TCLive crew show concern for Novak Djokovic's recent Rome withdrawal. pic.twitter.com/lFz2jMmzJW

— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) April 29, 2025

Reaction from Marcel Courier

“That's troubling. It's worrying for me as a Novak fan,” said Marcel Courier, a two-time Roland Garros champion, expressing concern over Djokovic's decision.

Jim Courier noted that Rome would have been an ideal tournament for Novak Djokovic to prepare for the French Open due to its similar conditions to Paris.

“I think if you're going to play one between Madrid and Rome (then) Rome would be the one you would want to play to get ready for Roland Garros,” Courier said, highlighting Rome's suitability as a warm-up event.

Novak Djokovic, chasing his 100th tour-level title, has been struggling to find form, acknowledging a “new reality” in tennis where winning a match or two is a significant goal.

Courier's Reaction

Jim Courier expressed unease over Djokovic's Rome withdrawal, saying, “I don't know what to make of it, but I don't like the way it feels in the gut. It's a very strange thing to announce a pullout now, well in advance of it, and we'll see what it all means when we get to Roland Garros.”