Overview
- Novak Djokovic lost a practice set 6-2 to Arthur Fils in Rome in a tune-up ahead of his first clay event of the year.
- The 24-time major champion is set to resume competition at the Italian Open after a right shoulder issue kept him out for eight weeks.
- He has not played a tour match on clay for nearly 11 months, with his last outing on the surface coming in the 2025 Roland Garros semi-final against Jannik Sinner.
- Djokovic is the No. 3 seed in Rome and was placed on the opposite side of the draw from Sinner, with his opener set against the winner of Marton Fucsovics vs. Dino Prizmic.
- His Rome preparations drew crowds, including a filmed practice on a temporary court at Piazza del Popolo, while Fils arrives in strong form after a Barcelona title and a run to the Qatar final.