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Djokovic Skips Tournaments Until French Open After Rome Loss

5/9/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Novak Djokovic announced he will skip tournaments until the French Open, starting May 24, after his loss in Rome.
He lost to 20-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 at the Italian Open in Rome.
Djokovic said he is not at the level needed to compete at the highest level.
He said he is unsure whether he will be fit for the French Open, noting visible taping on his right shoulder.

History

Historical Context

Andre Agassi’s 1999 French Open win—his only title there and the achievement that completed his career Grand Slam—came after shoulder problems that had earlier dropped his ranking from world No. 1 to No. 3; he had previously amassed 101 weeks as world No. 1. In May 2024, Novak Djokovic announced a break after a 6-0 loss to qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Italian Open, illustrating how injuries still reshape elite fields.

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Story summary

Novak Djokovic announced he will skip tournaments until the French Open, starting May 24, after his loss in Rome.
He lost to 20-year-old qualifier Dino Prizmic 2-6, 6-2, 6-4 at the Italian Open in Rome.
Djokovic said he is not at the level needed to compete at the highest level.
He said he is unsure whether he will be fit for the French Open, noting visible taping on his right shoulder.

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