Djokovic Returns to Rome: 6-Time Champ Hits Practice Ahead of Comeback

Djokovic Sets Stage for Return in Rome: Six-Time Champion Hits Practice Courts Ahead of Comeback

Serbian tennis icon returns for first competition since March due to injury recovery.

May 05, 2026

Novak Djokovic is gearing up for a grand return at the 2026 Internazionali BNL d’Italia.

This legendary 40-time ATP Masters 1000 champion is back in Rome, ready to step onto the court after a more-than-six-week hiatus caused by injury. Djokovic’s last appearance was a challenging bout against Jack Draper in Indian Wells on March 12, followed by training sessions with Peruvian Ignacio Buse at the iconic Foro Italico.

Before his recent physical setbacks, Djokovic kicked off the 2026 season on a stellar note, reaching his first Grand Slam final since 2024 at the Australian Open. His impressive journey in Indian Wells came to an abrupt end against Draper in a nail-biting fourth-round tie-break.

As he re-enters the fray, the former No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings is determined to make waves on the historic clay of Rome, a venue where he has triumphed six times. With a striking 68-12 record in the ‘Eternal City,’ according to the Infosys ATP Win/Loss Index, his victories include title runs during 2008, 2011, and from 2014-2015, along with 2020 and 2022. Notably, Djokovic has claimed victory against rival Rafael Nadal—who boasts a record 10 Rome titles—in their championship clashes at the Foro Italico.

While the home crowd will rally behind Jannik Sinner—aiming for his sixth straight Masters 1000 title and a Career Golden Masters at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia—Djokovic holds the advantage in their previous 2026 showdown at the Australian Open semi-finals. The two are slated in separate halves of the Rome draw, with Djokovic poised to meet World No. 3 Alexander Zverev in the semi-finals, setting the stage for a potential final against Sinner.

Competing in Rome for the first time since his early exit to Alejandro Tabilo in 2024, Djokovic’s immediate focus is on his opening match against either Marton Fucsovics or qualifier Dino Prizmic at the Foro Italico. The 101-time tour-level titleholder is also on track to face local favorite and eighth seed Lorenzo Musetti in the quarter-finals.

_{^{Novak Djokovic greets fans on Monday at the Foro Italico. Photo Credit: Internazionali BNL d’Italia.}}