t’s uncertain whether Novak Djokovic will play in Rome or not, as his main goal this clay season is clinching his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic (Images via IMAGO/X)

Novak Djokovic withdrew himself from the ongoing Madrid Open and is preparing for the upcoming Rome Open. He is in Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, and the video of his practice session has gone viral.

Though Djokovic missed the Madrid Open, he was in the Spanish capital for a few days, for the Laureus Sports Award, winning the Sportsman of the Year award as well. Then in Belgrade, Djokovic was seen doing squats while climbing the stairs.

Djokovic last participated at the Monte-Carlos Masters, where Casper Ruud defeated him in the semifinals in straight sets. After Monte Carlo, the 24-time Grand Slam champion missed the Barcelona Open.

It’s uncertain whether Djokovic will play in Rome or not, as his main goal this clay season is clinching his record-extending 25th Grand Slam title at Roland Garros. The World No.1 started this year at the Australian Open and went on to play two more tournaments, but couldn’t reach the final, let alone win a title.

Despite skipping tournaments, Novak Djokovic admits he is not slowing down

Novak Djokovic started the 2024 with a defeat to Australia’s Alex de Minaur at the United Cup. Then he failed to lift the trophy at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2019.
Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
The 36-year-old did not play in Miami because he wanted to balance his “private and professional” schedule. As he missed the Madrid Open as well, many raised their doubts about whether the Serb, who turns 37 in May this year, has started slowing down.

However, the Serb, during a recent interview with CNN, talked about his ambition to play for more years. He said that even though he wants to spend time with his loved ones, he doesn’t want to decelerate. The Serb is already looking forward to lifting his 25th Grand Slam title at the French Open by competing with different generations.

You have the young guys who are coming up...they're all incredibly hungry and fit and fast. But I use my adaptability to adjust my tactics and my game to them and understand really what it takes, you know, what it takes to stay at the top and compete with these guys and try to win more titles. 

Novak Djokovic said 

Djokovic will enter the French Open as the defending champion, as he defeated Norway’s Casper Ruud in last year’s final. The tournament gets underway on May 20.