Novak Djokovic has delivered a candid assessment of his current physical condition following a shock early exit.
At the Italian Open, admitting that dealing with injuries and fitness concerns has now become part of his “new reality” late in his career.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion suffered a surprise defeat in his opening match in Rome, losing 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 to 20-year-old Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic on Friday. It marked Djokovic’s first competitive appearance in nearly two months after a right shoulder problem forced him out following Indian Wells.
Although the Serbian started strongly and comfortably claimed the opening set, the momentum quickly shifted as the match progressed. Djokovic appeared physically troubled during the latter stages, with heavy taping visible on his shoulder and signs of discomfort becoming increasingly evident.
After the defeat, the 38-year-old acknowledged that entering tournaments without physical setbacks has become increasingly rare in recent seasons.
“It’s always something,” Djokovic admitted while reflecting on his preparations.
The former world No. 1 said injuries and recovery challenges are now a constant balancing act, forcing him to carefully manage training loads while accepting a level of unpredictability whenever he steps on court.
Despite the ongoing physical concerns, Djokovic insisted the responsibility ultimately lies with him to continue competing.
He explained that while the situation can be frustrating, he still chooses to push himself and compete at the highest level even when not fully fit.
The loss in Rome is particularly concerning given the timing. The Italian Open was expected to serve as a key warm-up event ahead of the French Open later this month, offering Djokovic valuable clay-court match practice. Instead, he leaves the tournament after just one match, with lingering doubts over both form and fitness.
When asked whether he expects to be fully ready for Roland Garros, Djokovic stopped short of making any guarantees. He admitted he is training as much as his body allows but conceded that translating that preparation into results on court has become increasingly uncertain.
For much of his career, Djokovic built his dominance on supreme physical conditioning, endurance, and consistency. But his latest comments underline the growing challenge of sustaining those standards deep into his late thirties, even for one of tennis’ greatest champions.
With the French Open approaching rapidly, attention will now turn to whether Djokovic can recover in time to mount another serious Grand Slam challenge — or whether his body may once again become the biggest obstacle in his pursuit of history.
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