Aleksa Mitrovic secured a last-minute selection for the judo world championships in the under-90kg category, overcoming a series of major knee injuries that nearly forced him into retirement just a year after joining AS Monaco.
The Levens-born judoka, who previously faced severe setbacks including four separate cruciate ligament ruptures since his junior world championship medal in 2019, received his call-up directly from French team general manager Frédérique Jossinet. Mitrovic was on the verge of signing a permanent employment contract through his work-study program when the national federation contacted him for the global tournament in Baku.
Reflecting on the mental and physical toll of his rehabilitation periods, Mitrovic admitted that the prospect of permanent regret ultimately outweighed his doubts. Rather than walking away from the sport following a difficult 2025 season while previously licensed with Paris Saint-Germain, he chose to pursue a return to peak competition.
The Path to Redemption and Training Under Loïc Piétri
A significant turning point in Mitrovic’s career arrived when he joined AS Monaco a year ago, where he began training alongside 2013 world champion Loïc Piétri. Having worked with Michel Carrière at Nice Judo during his formative years, Mitrovic credited his current mentor with helping him overcome the psychological hurdles of elite competition.
According to Mitrovic, the connection with Piétri was immediate, built on shared experiences of high-level athletic pressure and physical setbacks. This partnership helped steady a career that had occasionally been complicated by his aggressively offensive style on the tatami.
International Momentum and the Road to Baku
Prior to his world championship selection, Mitrovic rebuilt his competitive standing through a series of strong results. Following a podium finish at the French First Division Championships, he claimed victories at the European Cup in Prague and a World Cup event in Lima.
His momentum peaked in late August in Italy at the Mediterranean Games, where he captured the gold medal by defeating Christian Parlati, a world medalist and European champion in 2025. That performance provided the decisive competitive backing for his late entry into the French squad.
Mitrovic joins a contingent of athletes from the Alpes-Maritimes region representing France in Baku, alongside Laurentine judoka Clémence Emé in the under-70kg division and Nice competitor Maxime Gobert, who is slated for the mixed team competition.
Approach to the World Championships
Entering one of the tournament’s most competitive weight classes, Mitrovic maintained a measured outlook regarding his prospects on the global stage. He noted that while reaching the world championships fulfilled a long-held ambition, his immediate focus remains on executing his style without excessive pressure.
The competition in Baku represents a critical checkpoint for the French selection as international judo’s governing body continues its global calendar. Official updates, match schedules, and results for the tournament remain accessible through the International Judo Federation.
