Djokovic's Reasons for Competing in Rome

Iker Jiménez | 3 May 2026 | 12.36

Djokovic's reasons for competing in Rome. Source: Getty

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The name of Novak Djokovic is once again the center of attention in this last month of the clay court tour. The Serbian, who has not yet competed on this surface in 2026, is still considering his participation in the Masters 1000 in Rome, a decision that could be crucial in his preparation for his main goal: Roland Garros.

Djokovic finds himself at this point in the season in an unusual situation for him. After withdrawing from Madrid due to physical discomfort, he has been training in Marbella to fine-tune his preparation. The big question is whether he will choose to compete before Paris or if, on the contrary, he will arrive at the second Grand Slam of the year without prior match play on clay. It's a risky choice, even for someone of his experience.

Rome, a historic territory for Djokovic

If there's a tournament that perfectly highlights Djokovic's competitive DNA, it's the Masters 1000 in Rome. The Serbian has conquered the Foro Italico six times and has reached six other finals, totaling 12 appearances in the final match. Few stages better reflect his dominance on the surface and his ability to challenge the best clay court player in history, Rafa Nadal, whom he defeated in two finals there.

His last title in Rome came in 2022. Since then, he has reached the quarterfinals and suffered a significant defeat against Tabilo in his last participation in the event. The last Masters 1000 of the clay season is a tournament Djokovic knows perfectly well, and also one of the best indicators of his form before Roland Garros.

The importance of match play before Paris

The big question with Djokovic is not whether he can compete at Roland Garros, but in what conditions he will do so. Clay court tennis demands greater physical exertion, longer rallies, and gradual adaptation. Arriving without prior matches would be a risky gamble, even for a player of his caliber.

Although last year Djokovic showed a different strategy by skipping Rome and competing in Geneva, where he achieved his 100th title of his career. That decision allowed him to gain competitive rhythm just before Paris. This year, for now, the mystery remains.

An opening at Roland Garros

The context also seems to favor him. The withdrawal of Carlos Alcaraz, the main favorite for Roland Garros alongside Jannik Sinner, opens up a great opportunity both in Rome and in Paris. If Djokovic manages to arrive in good physical condition, his experience and competitive ability make him a contender for everything.

In Australia, he already demonstrated a remarkable physical condition, and his tennis, as always, is a guarantee. Winning his 25th Grand Slam in Paris would be a dream for him, but for that, he needs rhythm, confidence, and on-court sensations. And usually, those are built through competition.

Djokovic's final decision will be known in the coming days, but it's not just any decision. Participating in Rome or in another tournament before Paris could make the difference between arriving at Roland Garros with all possibilities or doing so with uncertainties. However, knowing Djokovic, every move he makes will be calculated to the millimeter.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Los motivos de Djokovic para competir en Roma