Novak Djokovic’s absence on the ATP Tour has been felt heavily, with the absence of a player of his calibre and stature always disappointing.
However, it is a phenomenon we have become accustomed to in recent years, with the 38-year-old having made a conscious effort to heavily reduce his schedule and only prioritise certain events.
Given all the Serbian superstar has provided to tennis, he has earned this right, as he desperately seeks a way to win that coveted record-breaking 25th Grand Slam title.
Roland Garros certainly represents a golden opportunity to do just that, with Carlos Alcaraz’s absence confirmed due to injury.
Alas, his preparation has been far from ideal.
Novak Djokovic will play at the Italian Open
Novak Djokovic has actually yet to play a single match on clay this season.
His last appearance came in March, where he lost to Jack Draper at Indian Wells. Since then, he has been seen at awards evenings and other sporting events, but videos of him training have been sparse.
Who would win this legendary showdown?
As such, he withdrew from events in Monte Carlo and Madrid, and routinely cast doubt over his potential appearance in Rome.
However, it seems we are finally set to see this legendary figure take to the clay courts once again, as it’s been confirmed that he will train in Rome later today.
It marks one final attempt at getting up to speed ahead of the second Grand Slam of the season, with debate still raging over whether Djokovic can win a 25th major title before he retires.
Jannik Sinner is shattering Novak Djokovic’s records
Djokovic is a man justifiably proud of all the records he has set within tennis over the last few decades of dominance.
However, even he must be worried at the prospect of Jannik Sinner continuing to perform the way he is, whilst completely unchallenged.
When does Jannik Sinner next lose a tennis match? 👀
With Alcaraz injured, the gulf between the Italian and the rest of the ATP Tour is astoundingly wide. This was evidenced by the ease with which Sinner beat Alexander Zverev, the world number three, in yesterday’s Madrid Open final.
In winning that title, he became the first man to win five Masters 1000 titles in a row, and also beat Djokovic’s record of winning the first three events at this level of the season, having now claimed a fourth.
What’s worrying is that this is just the beginning for Sinner.
