Six-time champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this year's Italian Open, in a blow to his French Open preparations. Djokovic, who has been chasing a 100th tour-level title, will miss the Masters 1000 event in Rome for the first time since making his first appearance in 2007.

Novak Djokovic will not take part in the Italian Open next week in another blow to the 24-time Grand Slam winner's preparations for Roland Garros.

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Italian Open in the midst of a three-match losing streak. The withdrawal sheds doubt on how well he’ll be able to play at the upcoming French Open as he continues to seek a record 25th Grand Slam trophy and 100th tournament title overall.