Novak Djokovic has decided to withdraw from next week's Italian Open in Rome after his performance was not up to par.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered three straight defeats as he exited the Madrid Open after falling short against Matteo Arnaldi.
Event organisers announced on social media that Djokovic would not be performing in the Italian capital, with the Serb writing on Instagram: “Rome, I will miss you. I hope we meet next year.”
Following his loss to Arnaldi, Djokovic, 37, said he needed to adapt to a “new reality,” adding: “The desire to win one or two matches without thinking about progressing successfully in the tournament is a completely different feeling compared to what I have experienced in more than 20 years of professional tennis.”
The Italian Open, which begins May 7, is the last major ATP tournament before the French Open, where Djokovic has won six titles.
However, he enters Roland Garros without a win on clay since his emotional triumph over Carlos Alcaraz in the Olympic final last summer.
Djokovic has been more active than last season, when his quest for a record 25th Grand Slam title fell short, but that has not helped his form: the world number five has lost his first match in four of his last five tournaments.
“The Grand Slams are where I really want to play my best tennis,” he said. “I'm not sure if I can do it at Roland Garros, but I'll give it my best.
“I won't go to Roland Garros as one of the main contenders. Maybe it will play into my hands, I don't know, we'll see.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
