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Tennis world saddened after Novak Djokovic goes public with shock announcement
Tennis world saddened after Novak Djokovic goes public with shock announcement

Yahoo

time29-04-2025

  • Sport
  • Yahoo

Tennis world saddened after Novak Djokovic goes public with shock announcement

Novak Djokovic has stunned the tennis world after announcing he won't play the Italian Open next month, despite a horror run on clay so far this season. The 24-time grand slam champion has lost in the first round in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and will be desperate to turn things around before the French Open. But he'll skip a key lead-up event to the grand slam and won't play in Rome. Tournament organisers announced on social media on Tuesday (local time): "Novak Djokovic has announced he won't take part to IBI25." No explanation was offered as to why the World No.5 won't be playing, but many have suggested it could be a boycott of sorts. The Italian Open will be the first tournament that World No.1 Jannik Sinner plays after his three-month suspension. Many found it very interesting that the ATP and ITF lined Sinner's suspension up with a return in front of his home fans in Rome, after he was banned for three months for testing positive to a banned steroid. The Djokovic-led Professional Tennis Players Association publicly criticised the lenient punishment in February, saying: "The 'system' is not a system. It's a club. Supposed case-by-case discretion is, in fact, merely cover for tailored deals, unfair treatment, and inconsistent rulings. "It's not just the different results for different players. It's the lack of transparency. The lack of process. The lack of consistency. The lack of credibility in the alphabet soup of agencies charged with regulating our sports and athletes." Djokovic has also suggested he didn't agree with such a light ban for Sinner, and his withdrawal from the Italian Open has now raised plenty of eyebrows. Speaking after his loss in Madrid last week, the 37-year-old admitted he's having to come to terms with a new reality. "I've had a few of these this year where I lose in the first round, unfortunately," Djokovic sighed. "Still my level of tennis is not where I would like it to be. It could be (my last Madrid Open), it could be. I'm not sure if I will come back. So, I don't know, I don't know what to say. I mean, I'll come back, maybe not as a player. I hope it's not, but it could be. 'I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte Carlo. (It's) kind of a new reality for me, I have to say, trying to win a match or two, not really thinking about getting far in the tournament. 'It's a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis. It's a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court - going out early now regularly in tournaments.' The news that he won't play in Rome left tennis fans surprised and saddened on Tuesday. Many moved to point out the detail with Sinner's return, suggesting it might not be a coincidence. How does he expect to compete at Roland Garros if he barely has any matches on clay? He has played 2 matches, & lost all 4 sets — NMH (@nosmh_x) April 29, 2025 I don't blame him after getting concussed last year and the whole steroid scandal surrounding the world #1 — Darth Caul (@DarthCaul) April 29, 2025 I hate to say this but maybe it is time to call it a day for Diokovic. He is a true champion and will be forever remembered as one of the greatest if not the greatest. His form is way below the level needed right now. — Domenico Maglia (@DomenicoMaglia) April 29, 2025 Sinner is back, Djokovic goes into hiding 😭 — Tennis In the Park 🇺🇦 (@TennisInthePar1) April 29, 2025 Such a bummer to hear about Novak's withdrawal from Rome! We know he's making the best choice for his health and future victories! Let's rally behind him and keep up the support, everyone! He's still the GOAT in our hearts! — Djokovic's Devoted (@DjokerDevotee) April 29, 2025 Djokovic pulling out of Rome basically tells you he's not overly optimistic about RG. That said, he's reached the last 6 Wimbledon finals that's he's played. He should be pumped to get back on the grass. — Tennis Connected (@TennisConnected) April 29, 2025 Very wise decision. However before FO, should play atleast one smaller tournament to get the rytham back. — Djoker Nole (@Sumanbhowmik2) April 29, 2025 Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur's path in Madrid has been made a lot easier after World No.2 Alexander Zverev suffered a shock 7-5 6-2 loss to Francisco Cerundolo. De Minaur advanced to his fifth-consecutive Masters 1000 fourth round appearance by beating Denis Shapovalov 6-3 7-6 (7-3). With Zverev and Djokovic crashing out early and Carlos Alcaraz absent due to injury, de Minaur has a golden opportunity. The Aussie recorded his 24th win of the year to draw level with Alcaraz for most on the ATP Tour. "He's got tremendous firepower from every part of the court, and I had to do my best to neutralise it, and not let him dictate as much as he could," said de Minaur, who has won all five matches against Shapovalov. with agencies

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