Djokovic navigates fan frenzy as Rome turns tennis epicenter

The tennis tournament in Rome is attracting widespread interest. Fans are flocking around the most celebrated players, with Novak Djokovic facing difficulty reaching his practice session in a golf cart.

In Rome, elite male and female tennis players battle it out together. For two weeks, the Italian capital transforms into the world's tennis hotspot.

Jannik Sinner's withdrawal was a significant setback for the event organizers. The Italian fans had high hopes for their fellow countrymen's Rome performance. With Carlos Alcaraz also out due to injury, the spotlight falls more intensely on seasoned champions like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal.

Novak Djokovic is eyeing his first tournament win of the season. The Serbian player is looking to capitalize on the absence of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz amidst a field of competitors keen on clinching the title.

Before his first match, Djokovic encountered a swarm of fans. En route from the press conference to his practice session in a golf cart, he found his path blocked by followers eager for selfies and autographs. This adulation meant he faced challenges reaching his practice venue.

Extra security measures were needed to navigate the crowd. Djokovic appeared somewhat taken aback by the emotional fan interaction, reminiscent of the experiences of many football stars in Italy.

Djokovic is poised for his tournament debut in Rome. Inclement weather has caused schedule delays, but Djokovic was spared from the initial rounds as a seeded player.

"I think I’m on a good route to peak at Roland Garros in Paris. Hopefully here in Rome I can play better than I did in Monte Carlo," says Novak Djokovic at a press conference.