Novak Djokovic won’t compete in Rome, the Internazionali BNL d’Italia announced on Tuesday. A six-time champion in the Italian capital, Djokovic would have been searching for his first clay-court victory of the season—and to snap a rare three-match losing streak dating back to March.
The former world No. 1 was unable to find his best level at the Rolex Monte Carlo Masters or Mutua Madrid Open, crucial tune-up events ahead of Roland Garros. In Monte Carlo, the No. 3 seed fell in straight sets to Alejandro Tabilo 6-3, 6-4 in his opening match. Seeded fourth in Madrid, Djokovic fell in the second round (after a bye) to Matteo Arnaldi, 6-3, 6-4 on Saturday.
Read More: Novak Djokovic loses third consecutive match, to Matteo Arnaldi in Madrid
“I was hoping I can play one more match than I played in Monte-Carlo,” Djokovic told press after his defeat to the Italian. “Kind of 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, so it’s kind of a challenge for me mentally to really face these kind of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in the tournaments.”
