Boris Becker has a three-word reaction after Novak Djokovic withdraws from the Italian Open

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Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Italian Open.

Djokovic released a statement upon his withdrawal, as he now looks to be heading into Roland Garros without any victories on clay this year.

His most recent tournament was the Madrid Open, where Djokovic was beaten by Matteo Arnaldi in his only match in the Spanish capital.

This defeat has raised concerns about Djokovic, as he has now made an interesting decision ahead of the second major tournament of 2025.

Boris Becker has a three word reaction after Novak Djokovic withdraws from Italian Open

Djokovic is a six-time champion at the Italian Open, with only Rafael Nadal winning more titles in Rome than the Serbian.

However, last year Djokovic lost to Alejandro Tabilo in a shock third round exit from the Italian capital.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will not be rectifying this in 2025, as he has decided to withdraw from the Italian Open this year.

This news has provoked a big reaction, including from Djokovic’s former coach Boris Becker, who did not appear to be expecting this.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), Becker just wrote, “That’s a surprise.”

Djokovic will now head into Roland Garros without any victories on clay for the first time in his career.

Who is the favorite for Roland Garros this year?

Due to his recent form, even Djokovic has admitted he is not a favorite for Roland Garros this year.

It appears to be a very open major tournament on the men’s side, with all of the top five players having question marks over them.

World number one Jannik Sinner has not competed since the Australian Open, as he bids to return in Rome next week.

World number two Alexander Zverev did win a title in Munich, but has since been beaten by Francisco Cerundolo in Madrid.

While Carlos Alcaraz is struggling with a groin injury, that forced him to withdraw from the Masters 1000 tournament in the Spanish capital.

Although they may not be favorites to win Roland Garros, some of the clay court title winners this year including Holger Rune and Joao Fonseca will fancy themselves as dark horses.

The Italian Open, that begins on Wednesday April 7, will see the highly anticipated return of Sinner following his three month ban from tennis.

This may provide more of an indicator as to who is really in the running for Roland Garros, but Djokovic will be now away from the matchcourt now until then.