Novak Djokovic pulls out of Italian Open 2025: How his absence impacts French Open preparation

Tennis legend Novak Djokovic has pulled out from the Italian Open 2025 in Rome, confirming his withdrawal from the ATP 1000 Masters tournament. The Serbian's decision to pull out from the prestigious tournament has shocked the tennis world, especially after his back-to-back losses in the clay court season to date.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner is yet to win the match on the clay court swing. He has suffered defeat against Alejandro Tabilo in the opening round of the Monte Carlo Masters 1000 tournament. He didn't make his appearance in the recently concluded Barcelona Open in Spain. Thereafter, he lost his opening match to Matteo Arnaldi in the Mutua Madrid Open 2025.

The fans were expecting his comeback in the Rome Masters to bolster the preparation for the French Open 2025 after his stellar first Grand Slam of the year, where he reached the semis in the Australian Open. However, his withdrawal has shocked the world and is set to dent his hopes for victory in Roland Garros. The star player is set to face consequences after withdrawing from the Italian Open 2025.

ATP Rankings complications

The star player is currently fifth in the current ATP rankings. He is behind Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Taylor Fritz. Djokovic, being ranked inside as a top-four seed, is hugely advantageous for the players in the ATP tour. However, Djokovic's chances of taking fourth spot were slightly dented after his early exit in Monte Carlo and the Madrid Open.

However, his withdrawal from the Rome Masters ended his hope of overtaking Fritz to get new world number four rankings and ultimately being a top-four seed in the Roland Garros.

Seeding complications

It might be possible the star player will be in the 5-8 seeding when the draw of the French Open 2025 is announced. He might face challenges in the quarterfinal clash as things stand now. He might have to face any one of Zverev, Alcaraz, and Fritz.

However, his quarterfinal clash against world number one Jannik Sinner, defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, or 2024 runner-up Alexander Zverev might be a significant challenge for him.

Also Checkout: Uncertainty looms over Carlos Alcaraz's Italian Open participation amid injury concerns ahead of French Open 2025