The red clay of the Foro Italico has officially welcomed its most decorated champion back into the fold. After a long period of absence from tennis courts, Novak Djokovic was spotted on the practice courts in Rome this week ahead of the Italian Open 2026, looking fit and fine as he prepares for his first appearance on the clay surface in nearly a year.
From last night, social media has been flooded with footage of Djokovic’s drills on a a temporary clay court set up at the Piazza del Popolo in Rome, where he won six titles.
Shot in a very cinematic filter and style, the footage features the 24-time Grand Slam champion training amid beautiful scenery, surrounded by hundreds of fans. The wide-angle shots of the historic square and close-ups of Djokovic’s movement on clay.
He is seen going through focused drills, working on flexibility and footwork. Djokovic remained relaxed, even paused to sign autographs after the session.
Feels like a Paolo Sorrentino film
But it’s real
Novak Djokovic training in Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
On the most beautiful court in the world
surrounded by churches, obelisks, fountainsOne of a kind pic.twitter.com/dqYpQFDR6r
— Mambo Italiano (@mamboitaliano__) May 6, 2026
Novak Djokovic Returns After Eight-Week Gap
Novak Djokovic is set to make his much-anticipated return to competitive tennis at the 2026 Italian Open after an eight-week absence from the ATP Tour due to a right shoulder injury.
The Serbian legend last competed on March 12 at the Indian Wells Masters, where he suffered a fourth-round defeat to Jack Draper before being forced to withdraw from events including Miami, Monte-Carlo, and Madrid.
Djokovic has not played a professional match on clay for nearly 11 months, with his last outing on the surface coming in the semi-finals of the 2025 Roland Garros against Jannik Sinner.
How Has 2026 Been For The Serbian Star?
Djokovic’s 2026 season has been a bit of a mixed bag so far, short on matches but still packed with moments that remind everyone why he’s one of the greatest.
The 38-year-old who will turn 39 this month on the 22nd of May, showed he still has it by reaching the Australian Open final, beating top players like Jannik Sinner along the way, before falling to Carlos Alcaraz.
But just when it looked like he was building momentum, a shoulder injury forced him to step away. At Indian Wells, his campaign ended in the Round of 16.
