Novak Djokovic makes worrying French Open fitness claim after shock Italian Open defeat

Twenty-four-time Grand Slam winner and current men’s singles world No. 4 Novak Djokovic has made a worrying claim about his fitness just weeks before the French Open.

Djokovic, who has not won a major since the 2023 US Open, has endured a tough first half of 2026, having not competed since Indian Wells back in March.

The 38-year-old fourth seed returned to action — after recovering from a shoulder injury — at the Italian Open in Rome on Friday after receiving a first-round bye before losing 2–6, 6–2 and 6–4 against 20-year-old Croatian Dino Prizmic.

Djokovic will begin the second major of the season holding the unwanted record of going into Roland Garros having failed to win a single opening match in the first three ATP Masters clay events of the season for the second year in a row.

Djokovic speaks out on fitness concerns

Speaking after his defeat, the veteran admitted that he must accept the “new reality” of his battle with fitness issues as he approaches his 39th birthday.

“It’s not an ideal preparation, to be honest,” Djokovic said. “I don’t recall the last time I had in the last couple of years a preparation where I didn’t have any kind of physical issues or health issues coming into the tournament. There’s always something. Kind of a new reality that I have to deal with. It is frustrating. At the same time it’s my decision to still perform in that kind of state and conditions. It is what it is.”

The legend was also quick to praise his opponent, describing Prizmic as a “great kid” who has “definitely performed high-level tennis”.

“I told him at the net that his forehand improved a lot,” he added. “Whatever he has been doing with his team is working out well. He should just keep going.”

Then when further pressed on whether he feels fit enough to compete at his best at the upcoming French Open he explained: “I don’t know. I hope so. Let’s see what happens.”

The French Open, a tournament Djokovic has won three times, gets underway on May 18 and will run until June 7.