Novak Djokovic is widely expected to confirm he will not play in next week’s ATP Finals after he returned to Belgrade before announcing whether he will play in Turin.
Djokovic has made it clear that he is not focused on defending the ATP Finals trophy he won in impressive fashion a year ago, as he is focused on preparing for 2025 and what may be a final attempt to win an 11th Australian Open title in January.
Even though Djokovic has had the worst year of results since his formative days on the tour, his run to the Wimbledon final and Australian Open semi-finals has bolstered a yearly ranking points total to ensure he is currently in sixth place in the ATP Race list.
The top eight players qualify for Turin, but with Djokovic spending his last few days on a beach in the Maldives, there is an expectation that he will not play again in 2024.
He is now back in Serbia and has not been seen on a practice court so there is a growing expectation that his 2024 season is over.
If he does withdraw from Turin, ninth place on the ATP Race list would ensure qualification for Turin and there could be some twists and turns in this story before it concludes.
Caper Ruud, Andrey Rublev and Alex De Minaur are battling it out for the final place in the ATP Finals and rumours in Serbia suggest Djokovic has made the decision to withdraw from the lucrative end-of-season tournament.
At the age of 37, he has made it clear that spending time with his family and being selective with the tournaments he plays will be his play from this point forward and after nursing a shoulder injury in his most recent matches at the Six Kings Slam in Saudi Arabia last month, former British No 1 Greg Rusedski is predicting Djokovic will not play at the ATP Finals.
“I think he needs to get healthy,” Rusedski told The Tennis Channel as he spoke about Djokovic. “We still see that knee brace there and once we don’t see that any more, he’s back.
Novak Djokovic’s Potential ATP Finals Withdrawal: A Shift Toward Longevity and Strategy
With just a week until the ATP Finals in Turin, the speculation around Novak Djokovic’s participation has intensified as reports indicate he might not compete. Having recently returned to his hometown of Belgrade after spending time in the Maldives, Djokovic has yet to confirm his attendance at the season’s most prestigious event, leaving fans and experts wondering if he has shifted his focus entirely to preparations for 2025. Djokovic, at 37, is dealing with nagging injuries and an eye toward maintaining his elite level for a potential final push in 2025. His decision could have significant implications, not only for his career but also for the competitive landscape of men’s tennis.
Djokovic’s 2024 Season: A Rollercoaster Ride
Djokovic’s 2024 season has been his least successful in years, though by most standards, it’s still been highly impressive. Despite missing out on a few of his usual goals, Djokovic managed to reach both the Australian Open semifinals and the Wimbledon final, proving his resilience and skill remain unparalleled. This consistency has allowed him to maintain a strong position on the ATP Race list, sitting comfortably in sixth place and earning him qualification for the ATP Finals based on points accrued throughout the year.
Yet, Djokovic’s performances this year fell short of his usual standards. Injuries played a role, with a lingering shoulder issue surfacing in recent tournaments, notably at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. While Djokovic won numerous high-stakes matches, the physical toll seemed evident, particularly as he appeared to wear a knee brace. His dedication to managing these injuries suggests that he may be prioritizing his long-term health, seeing the ATP Finals as an expendable part of the 2024 season.
Strategic Decision-Making in Djokovic’s Later Career
If Djokovic does choose to skip the ATP Finals, it would exemplify the kind of selective scheduling he has discussed openly as he plans the remainder of his career. At his age, Djokovic knows that he cannot commit to every tournament as he did in his 20s. Family time, rest, and recovery have become increasingly important to him, and he has spoken in recent months about re-evaluating his commitments to focus on a few select tournaments each year. While the ATP Finals are prestigious and lucrative, Djokovic may be prepared to let go of the chance to defend his title in Turin in order to focus on something even greater.
The upcoming Australian Open, where he has historically dominated, may represent Djokovic’s best opportunity to add to his Grand Slam tally in 2025. Having won the tournament a record ten times, the Australian Open holds special significance for Djokovic, who could become the first male player to reach 11 titles at a single Grand Slam if he wins again. By skipping the ATP Finals, Djokovic could direct his energy toward optimal preparation for Melbourne, where he has an unparalleled history of success.
The Importance of Injury Management and Longevity
Djokovic’s struggle with a shoulder injury underscores the challenge faced by athletes as they age. Greg Rusedski, a former British No. 1 and current analyst, has commented on Djokovic’s physical condition, noting the presence of a knee brace and speculating that Djokovic is prioritizing recovery. According to Rusedski, a return to full fitness should be Djokovic’s primary objective before he competes in another major event. For Djokovic, staying injury-free and managing his workload is likely a top priority if he wants to be at his peak for another full season in 2025.
This strategic approach to injury management is also indicative of a broader trend among elite players. Rafael Nadal, for example, has spent a significant amount of time sidelined due to injuries over the past two seasons, while Roger Federer took extended breaks in his later years to prolong his career. Djokovic’s potential decision to forgo the ATP Finals demonstrates a similar mindset. By allowing his body the necessary time to heal and recover, Djokovic is maximizing his chances to compete at a high level over a longer period, possibly extending his career into 2025 and beyond.
Impact on the ATP Finals and Younger Competitors
Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Finals could create new opportunities for younger players battling for a spot in Turin. Currently, players like Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur are competing for the last spots in the tournament, and Djokovic’s withdrawal would allow an additional player to enter the fray. The ATP Finals offer a significant financial incentive, and for younger or rising stars, the tournament represents a chance to compete against the best in the world and gain valuable experience on a global stage.
In the absence of Djokovic, these players will have a greater chance to showcase their talents and potentially make a statement for the future. An ATP Finals without Djokovic might feel like a slight loss in star power, but it could signal a changing of the guard, with the next generation of players stepping into the spotlight. Additionally, this would give fans a preview of what the Tour might look like once Djokovic, Nadal, and other long-time stars eventually retire.
Preparing for the Future: 2025 and Beyond
Djokovic’s careful approach to ending his 2024 season reflects a mature, calculated perspective on his future in tennis. By focusing on major tournaments and recovery, Djokovic is positioning himself to make the most of what could be his final few seasons. With 24 Grand Slam titles already, he has little left to prove, but a strong showing at the 2025 Australian Open could cement his place in history with a record 25th Grand Slam win. While rumors suggest that Djokovic may be in the last phase of his career, his strategic planning for the 2025 season shows that he remains hungry for one more iconic season.
In addition to his athletic pursuits, Djokovic has expressed interest in spending more time with his family and investing in other projects beyond the court. As he nears the end of his career, Djokovic appears increasingly focused on enjoying his personal life while maintaining his competitive edge. This dual focus—on family and fitness—could become a model for athletes striving for longevity in high-intensity sports like tennis.
Djokovic’s Potential Exit from Turin
Novak Djokovic’s potential decision to withdraw from the ATP Finals represents more than just a tactical maneuver; it signifies a shift in his approach to his career. Rather than pursuing every possible title, Djokovic is now prioritizing his health, family, and selective tournament play. As he approaches his late 30s, Djokovic is focused on preparing himself mentally and physically for the defining moments that remain. His calculated choice to skip Turin might open the door for younger players while allowing Djokovic to return stronger in 2025.
This possible exit from the ATP Finals might also highlight the natural evolution in sports, where even the greatest champions must adapt to the constraints of time. Djokovic’s legacy is secure, and whether or not he competes in Turin, his strategic withdrawal signals his commitment to ending his career on his own terms, with a clear focus on what could be one final attempt at rewriting the record books.