“no rhythm, no tempo, no balance”- Novak Djokovic‘s Rome escapades raise eyebrows as concerns mount. While his 2023 tennis season was nothing short of extraordinary, things haven’t been the same this year. His early exit from the Italian Open has sparked concerns as he has yet to win a title. Without holding back, Paolo Bertolucci gave a critical assessment of the 24-time Grand Slam Champion’s difficulties in Rome.

Djokovic experienced a shocking event at the Italian Open a few days ago. A metal water bottle fell out of a fan’s rucksack while he was signing autographs and hit him right on the head. Even though there were initial worries about blood and sickness, he comforted everyone and went back to training. But despite all of this fear of a head injury, a different side of the story has come to light.

According to Paolo Bertolucci, Novak Djokovic arrived in Rome without being ready

The world’s number one-ranked tennis player admitted to feeling like a “different player” after losing 6-2, 6-3 to Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo, the 29th seed. On the other hand, recently, a former Italian tennis player who is also a long-term critic shared a harsh reality about Djokovic’s concerning situation. He stated, “Djokovic has never found a good physical condition in the days before his debut.”

Not only that, he also made it clear that the situations surrounding him were all created by the 36-year-old tennis player himself. Paolo Bertolucci added, “Nole arrived in Rome without being ready, and during the tournament, all the tension that was surling inside came out. If the problem was his physical condition… he alone is responsible.”

Nearly a month ago, the former Italian tennis player shared a similar concern and emphasized the fact that Jannik Sinner might take over his ATP ranking. Then, he underlined the Serb’s resolve to keep his top spot but also acknowledged that it’s only a matter of time before he faces challenges that need to be addressed.

He stated, “Perhaps Nole has understood that he no longer has the motivation he once had and therefore has decided to shake up his tennis, changing coaches to try to contain these young guys and, perhaps, get back in the saddle.” Additionally, the 24-time Grand Slam champion provided a health update and discussed the fallout from the water bottle incident after the Italian Open exit.

Djokovic’s ‘concerning’ health update post the water-bottle incident

Following his initial bout of sickness and blood, Djokovic said that he was feeling well on Saturday as he returned to training. He even made the playful gesture of donning a helmet to approach the practice court, signifying his recuperation and good humor throughout the ordeal, but the injury was there.

However, he said, “The next day or yesterday was pretty fine, so I thought it’s OK. Maybe it is OK. Maybe it’s not. I mean, the way I felt on the court today was just completely like a different player entered into my shoes. Just no rhythm, no tempo, no balance whatsoever on any shot. It’s a bit concerning.”

There’s excitement around Djokovic for the French Open, wondering what the competition has in store for him. Will he win his 25th Grand Slam and cede his legacy as the greatest tennis player of all time? Or will it be an event where he loses his position as the world’s top player? What do you think about the Serb’s upcoming event? Do let us know in the comment section below.