Novak Djokovic injury: What exactly is 24-time Grand Slam champion's fitness issue as French Open looms

Novak Djokovic has been struggling with fitness right from the start of 2026 and things are not looking really bright ahead of the French Open 2026. He has withdrawn from multiple competitions due to fitness issues, but has interestingly not properly revealed what that issue is.

The 38-year-old was recently handed a shock defeat by the 20-year-old Dino Prizmic of Croatia in the Italian Open. It was his comeback match after two months but it did not go as well as he planned.

“Eventually you have to play. You have to start somewhere. I wanted to start earlier but I couldn’t. The situation is as it is. You make the most out of it," said the former World No. 1 after his loss in Rome.

What is Djokovic's injury?

Djokovic has played only three tournaments so far in 2026. He took some time off late last year and came back at the Australian Open where he looked in good rhythm and made it to the final of the competition. He was eventually defeated by Carlos Alcaraz in the final.

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He again waited for about a month before choosing to participate in the Indian Wells where he was ousted in the Round of 16. After that he took a break of two months to come back for the Italian Open, hoping to kickstart on-court preparation for the French Open.

However, he lost his first match in Rome and admitted that he was not at his best physically.

After the match, Djokovic was asked about the details of his injury but the legend refused to talk about it.

“I hope you understand I will not talk about that. I want to congratulate Dino. Deservedly the winner today," he had stated.

However, it was quite clear during the match that Djokovic had an issue with his shoulder. He had taping on his right shoulder that was revealed when he changed shirts between sets. He had also withdrawn from the Miami Open earlier this year due to a right shoulder injury.

So, there is an apparent issue with the shoulder and whether something else is also restricting Djokovic or not, only he can tell.