Yesterday afternoon, it was officially announced that Novak Djokovic will not be participating in the 2024 Rolex Paris Masters, a decision that sends ripples through the tennis world. The Serbian legend, a 24-time Grand Slam champion, has decided to skip the tournament, meaning he won’t defend the title he captured last year. This decision is significant for several reasons, not least because it marks the end of Djokovic’s relationship with the current venue of the Paris-Bercy tournament. After 2024, the Masters 1000 tournament will move to a new location, and Djokovic, who has won the title in Paris a record six times, will not have the opportunity to bid farewell to the venue where he’s had so much success.
### **A Special Connection with Paris-Bercy**
Djokovic’s absence from Paris is notable because of his historical success there. With six titles, he is the most successful player in the tournament’s history, showcasing his affinity for the indoor hard courts of Bercy. His last victory in 2023 was a demonstration of his enduring excellence, as he defeated some of the top talents in the world to secure the title. Yet, as Djokovic approaches the twilight of his illustrious career, his focus and priorities have shifted.
In September, during the Davis Cup tie against Greece, Djokovic was candid about his future goals. He emphasized that his main objectives are now the Grand Slam tournaments and events that allow him to represent Serbia on the global stage. This new focus is a testament to his legacy-driven mindset, as he seeks to maximize his impact on the most prestigious platforms while maintaining a balanced life off the court. For Djokovic, who turns 38 in 2025, the traditional chase for rankings and titles has taken a backseat to the pursuit of historical greatness.
### **Skipping Paris: What It Means for Djokovic’s Season**
By choosing to sit out the Paris Masters, Djokovic is putting his potential participation in the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals in Turin into question. Although he has already qualified for the Finals, his absence from Paris could complicate his preparation and rhythm heading into one of the most competitive tournaments of the year. Speculation has also risen that Djokovic may be contemplating ending his 2024 season early, as he hinted during the Davis Cup that he is considering a reduced schedule.
This decision to potentially conclude his season before the Finals would be a significant shift from his usual routine. In previous years, Djokovic has consistently aimed to be at his best for the year-end tournament, a competition he has won six times, tying him with Roger Federer for the most victories. His withdrawal from Paris suggests that he may be more focused on resting and preparing for the challenges of 2025, where he has set his sights on a monumental goal: winning his 25th Grand Slam title.
### **The Challenge of 2025: A New Era of Rivals**
If Djokovic does decide to focus on the 2025 season, he faces a more formidable landscape than ever before. The rise of young stars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner has intensified the competition at the top of men’s tennis. Alcaraz, at just 21, became the youngest player to win the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year, while Sinner’s consistency throughout 2024 has solidified his place among the elite. Both players pose a serious threat to Djokovic’s Grand Slam ambitions, as they combine youthful energy with remarkable talent.
For Djokovic, who will turn 38 next year, the task of securing another Grand Slam title is daunting. No male player has ever won a Major at that age, a challenge that even a player of Djokovic’s caliber will find difficult. However, Djokovic’s career has been defined by defying expectations and achieving the impossible, which is why the prospect of a 25th Major remains within reach.
### **Balancing Family and Career**
In recent years, Djokovic’s desire to spend more time with his family has become more apparent. His wife, Jelena Ristic, spoke about this during a recent interview with *La Nacion*, highlighting the evolving priorities in Djokovic’s life. “For me, it has been a fairy tale,” she said, reflecting on Djokovic’s journey from a young dreamer to one of the greatest athletes of all time. “I could not have imagined all this; it was an impossible dream, something he envisioned as a child. The truth is there were very few people in his path to help him, but he was always a mental giant.”
Jelena emphasized that Djokovic’s motivations go beyond just winning trophies. “He wasn’t seeking material numbers; he found something more. That’s why he could achieve much more than anyone expected. Even though he has achieved everything, I believe his greatest victory is being the champion of the people.” She also shared insights into the family’s life, explaining that as their children grow older, Djokovic is carefully choosing which tournaments to play. The goal is not only to extend his career but also to ensure that he maintains a balance between professional success and personal fulfillment.
### **The Last of the Fab Four**
With Roger Federer retiring in 2022, Andy Murray following suit in early 2024, and Rafael Nadal set to leave the tour after the upcoming Davis Cup Finals, Djokovic stands as the last remaining member of the iconic “Fab Four.” This era, defined by the legendary rivalries among Federer, Nadal, Murray, and Djokovic, will soon draw to a close, with Djokovic being the sole torchbearer left competing at the highest level. His continued presence on the tour serves as a reminder of a golden age in tennis, one that captured the hearts of fans worldwide and set new standards for excellence in the sport.
### **A Challenging Childhood: The Source of Djokovic’s Drive**
In another *La Nacion* interview, Djokovic opened up about his challenging upbringing in war-torn Serbia, an experience that profoundly shaped his character. “It’s the fear of the unknown,” Djokovic said, recounting memories of his childhood. “Not knowing if the next bomb is going to hit your head.” He described the constant fear and anxiety that accompanied the air raids, recalling a specific incident that left a deep impact on him. “I remember my mother one night… you’re sleeping, and in the middle of the night you wake up because you hear the siren, and you have to grab a bag and go down to the basement of the building to try to take shelter. The first time it happened, my mother got up in the dark, and she hit her head against the heater and was knocked unconscious. I was 12 years old, and my younger brothers, 8 and 4, were crying. There was total panic, but it’s an experience that strengthened us as a family, as people.”
These traumatic experiences have played a pivotal role in Djokovic’s resilience and mental toughness, qualities that have made him one of the greatest competitors the sport has ever seen.
### **Looking to 2025 and Beyond**
As Djokovic approaches the end of his career, his focus is clearly set on major titles and moments that matter most. The decision to skip Paris-Bercy is another step in his calculated strategy to extend his longevity and maximize his impact. While the challenges ahead are greater than ever, Djokovic’s unparalleled drive, combined with his physical and mental prowess, ensures that he remains a formidable force in the tennis world.
With the Paris Masters now behind him, all eyes will turn to Djokovic’s preparations for 2025, where history could yet again be rewritten. Whether he competes in the ATP Finals or not, Djokovic’s legacy is already secure, but his journey is far from over. The story of Novak Djokovic, the last man standing from the Fab Four, continues to captivate and inspire, and the next chapter promises to be as thrilling as any that came before.