Djokovic returns to Rome with 'enough readiness' after injury layoff, eyes sixth title
Synopsis
After nearly two months sidelined by injury, Djokovic is back in Rome — the one venue where his record speaks loudest: 68 wins, 6 titles, and a 'colosseum' of memories. He arrives rebuilding, not peak, but his draw is favourable, and Sinner lurks. If fitness holds, Rome could be the springboard before grass.
Key Takeaways
Novak Djokovic returns to ATP Tour action at the Italian Open in Rome after injury absence since Indian Wells in March.
Djokovic holds a 68-12 record at Rome and is a six-time champion at the event.
He opens against Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic on Friday; potential quarter-final vs Lorenzo Musetti .
Jannik Sinner (world No.
1) sits in the opposite draw half, pursuing the Career Golden Masters .
Djokovic acknowledged he is still rebuilding match sharpness but is "ready enough to compete."
Novak Djokovic is set to resume ATP Tour action at the Italian Open in Rome this week, marking his competitive return following an extended absence caused by injury. The 38-year-old Serbian has not played since his fourth-round defeat to Jack Draper at Indian Wells Masters in March, but told ATP Media on Wednesday that he is "ready enough to compete" despite acknowledging he is still rebuilding match sharpness.
Djokovic's comeback statement
"I am ready enough to compete. I am not the happiest with the level of tennis or the movement or the physical state, but it is getting there," Djokovic said ahead of his opening match. "I wanted to be back on the Tour earlier, but couldn't. I was injured, so I had to deal with it progressively. I am here in Rome. I always love coming back, have had great success, so I am excited to be back in competition."
Rome's historic appeal for Djokovic
The six-time Rome champion boasts a remarkable 68-12 record at the Italian capital's event, one of the sport's most storied venues. Djokovic spoke warmly of the tournament's atmosphere and its cultural significance. "It is called the tennis colosseum for a reason. Amazing crowds. The number of people who come and watch the tournament is so high, and the venue is so historic and beautiful," he remarked. "Considering the Italians' success in men's and women's in the last several years, the popularity has grown, and you can feel that. There is great energy around the stands."
2026 campaign so far
Djokovic began the year strongly by reaching his first Grand Slam final since 2024 at the Australian Open, where he defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final. However, his momentum stalled at Indian Wells, where Draper upset him in a deciding-set tiebreak in the fourth round — a result that triggered the injury-forced hiatus.
Path to the title and Sinner factor
As the third seed, Djokovic opens against Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic on Friday; Prizmic previously pushed him to four sets at the Australian Open in 2024. A potential quarter-final matchup awaits against Lorenzo Musetti, while Sinner sits in the opposite draw half. The world No. 1 is attempting to become only the second player, after Djokovic, to complete the Career Golden Masters — winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. Currently, Sinner leads their ATP Head2Head rivalry 6-5 overall, despite Djokovic's Melbourne triumph.
What's ahead
With a 40-time ATP Masters 1000 title haul, Djokovic remains the tournament's most decorated champion. His return to Rome — a venue where he has thrived for nearly two decades — signals his intent to rebuild momentum ahead of the grass-court season and the Wimbledon Championships.
Point of View
Not a coronation. At 38, with a two-month injury layoff and acknowledged movement concerns, he is not the fearsome force that once owned Rome. Sinner's presence in the opposite half and his 6-5 head-to-head lead add intrigue — a potential final would test whether age and rust have truly eroded Djokovic's edge. Rome is his sanctuary, but sanctuaries crumble.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Djokovic been absent from the ATP Tour?
Djokovic has been sidelined by injury issues over the past several weeks. His last competitive match was a fourth-round loss to Jack Draper at Indian Wells Masters in March, after which he withdrew to manage his physical condition progressively.
What is Djokovic's record at the Italian Open in Rome?
Djokovic holds a remarkable 68-12 record at Rome and has won the title six times, making it one of his most successful venues. He considers the tournament historic and iconic, referring to it as the 'tennis colosseum.'
Who will Djokovic face in his opening match at Rome?
Djokovic will open against Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic on Friday. Prizmic previously pushed Djokovic to four sets at the Australian Open in 2024.
Could Djokovic face Sinner at the Italian Open?
Sinner sits in the opposite half of the draw, so a meeting would only occur in the final. Sinner is currently world No. 1 and leads their ATP Head2Head rivalry 6-5, though Djokovic defeated him at the Australian Open earlier this year.
What is the Career Golden Masters that Sinner is pursuing?
The Career Golden Masters is an achievement of winning all nine ATP Masters 1000 events. Only Djokovic has completed it so far; Sinner is attempting to become the second player to do so.
