In a stunning turn of events, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the 2025 Italian Open following what sources describe as a “horrific injury” sustained during a closed-door practice session in Rome. The shocking announcement came just days before Djokovic was scheduled to take the court in what was expected to be a critical tune-up ahead of Roland Garros.
The Serbian superstar, known for his resilience, endurance, and seemingly superhuman recovery abilities, left fans and the tennis world stunned with his sudden exit. But as more details emerge, the injury might signal deeper issues — ones that could seriously impact the future of one of the sport’s greatest champions.
The Incident: A Training Session Gone Wrong
According to reports from Djokovic’s team, the 37-year-old was participating in an intensive movement drill on clay when he suddenly collapsed, clutching his right knee. Spectators said Djokovic let out a loud cry and immediately signaled for help.
“He knew something was wrong instantly,” a member of the practice staff said. “The way he fell, the way he shouted — we all knew this was bad.”
An MRI conducted just hours later revealed a partial tear in the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of his right knee — a serious injury that could require weeks, if not months, of recovery.
Djokovic Breaks His Silence
Djokovic took to social media shortly after the announcement, expressing his heartbreak and frustration:
“This is one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make. The Italian Open is a tournament I deeply love, and it breaks my heart to withdraw. But my health must come first. Thank you to everyone for your support.”
He did not confirm whether he would be ready in time for the French Open, raising concerns that the injury could mark the beginning of a downward spiral in the final years of his career.
The Secret Behind the Decline?
For months, tennis analysts and former pros have speculated about Djokovic’s decreasing mobility and longer recovery times. Though still ranked among the world’s top players, 2025 has not been kind to Djokovic. He suffered a surprising early exit in Miami, struggled on clay in Monte Carlo, and appeared increasingly fatigued during long matches.
Sources close to his camp revealed that he had been playing through chronic knee pain for over a year — pain that was kept under wraps to avoid media scrutiny. Some believe this “horrific injury” was not entirely a surprise, but rather the culmination of overuse, age, and relentless physical strain.
One unnamed former coach even said:
“Novak has been hiding the pain. He doesn’t want to show weakness. But the signs were there: slower footwork, shorter points, and a lot of uncharacteristic errors. His body is starting to fight back.”
What This Means for Roland Garros and Beyond
With Djokovic’s status for Roland Garros now uncertain, the landscape of the ATP Tour could shift dramatically. Young rivals like Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, and Holger Rune might now have a clearer path to dominance in Paris.
Meanwhile, fans around the world are holding their breath, hoping the Serbian legend can recover in time to chase a 25th Grand Slam — a milestone that would solidify his place as the greatest ever.
Fans React With Shock and Support
As the news spread, social media exploded with messages of concern and well-wishes. The hashtag #GetWellNovak trended globally, with fans sharing photos, videos, and memories of Djokovic’s greatest moments.
One fan wrote:
“It hurts to see him like this. Whether you love him or hate him, Novak Djokovic is a legend. Tennis needs him.”
What’s Next? Djokovic’s team will provide updates over the next few days. For now, the tennis world is left to grapple with a future that may no longer include one of its most dominant forces — at least not in his full form.
