In a recent podcast episode, former World No. 1 Andy Roddick shared his insights into how Novak Djokovic is adjusting his approach to his tennis career, especially in light of his recent decisions regarding the 2024 Paris Masters and ATP Finals. Djokovic’s choices have sparked speculation about the future direction of his career, particularly his evolving priorities as he enters what many believe could be the final phase of his time on the ATP Tour.
### **Djokovic’s Decision to Skip Paris and the Impact on ATP Finals**
Novak Djokovic, who at 37 is still considered one of the most formidable forces in men’s tennis, recently made headlines when he announced that he would not defend his title at the 2024 Paris Masters. This decision means forgoing a chance to secure more ranking points and potentially placing his qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin at risk. Despite sitting comfortably in the top ten of the Race to the ATP Finals, Djokovic has been clear about his shifting focus away from accumulating rankings and defending points.
While withdrawing from Paris raised eyebrows, Djokovic has not kept his reasoning a secret. He has previously spoken about his evolving goals, emphasizing that his primary targets are the Grand Slam tournaments and representing his home country of Serbia in team competitions like the Davis Cup. His selective tournament participation reflects a career plan that no longer revolves around rankings but rather on maximizing his chances to succeed in events that matter most to him.
### **Andy Roddick Weighs In: Djokovic’s New Career Strategy**
On the latest episode of the “Served with Andy Roddick” podcast, the American legend analyzed Djokovic’s decision and how it impacts the broader tennis landscape, particularly the opportunities it creates for younger players like Tommy Paul. With Djokovic signaling that he has little interest in competing at the ATP Finals in Turin, Roddick pointed out that it could open the door for lower-ranked players vying for a spot at the year-end event.
“The other thing, talking about being 10th in the Race to Turin, Novak has said that he’s not playing Turin. He said he has no interest in playing Turin,” Roddick noted. He humorously added that the math was simple: if a top contender steps back, the players behind them get a better chance. In this case, Tommy Paul, who currently sits 10th in the Race to Turin, stands to benefit if Djokovic indeed opts out.
### **The Paris Masters Decision: A Sign of Djokovic’s Focused Scheduling**
Roddick was not surprised by Djokovic’s decision to skip the Paris Masters, noting that it fits into the Serb’s increasingly selective approach to his calendar. “Novak is going to pick and choose his spots now,” Roddick explained, suggesting that Djokovic’s focus is squarely on the Grand Slams, where he has historically thrived, as well as select team events.
Roddick emphasized that this selective scheduling has a dual purpose: allowing Djokovic to manage the physical demands of the tour as he ages while ensuring he is fresh and fully prepared for the tournaments he values most. According to Roddick, Djokovic’s current mindset reflects an athlete who has already achieved virtually every milestone the sport has to offer and now has the luxury to prioritize only what matters most.
### **Priorities Shift from Rankings to Legacy**
The American tennis legend also discussed how Djokovic’s recent actions are emblematic of a player who is no longer driven by rankings—a shift in mentality that Roddick believes was inevitable given Djokovic’s record-breaking career. Djokovic holds the record for the longest time spent as the World No. 1, having occupied the top spot for 428 weeks, more than any other player in the history of the ATP rankings. Roddick suggested that this achievement allows Djokovic to step back from the pressure of chasing points and focus instead on solidifying his legacy at the Slams.
“He’s going to try to juggle the schedule, where he gets enough matches before Majors,” Roddick said. “But really, my interpretation of how Novak is talking is that he doesn’t care about rankings anymore.” According to Roddick, Djokovic’s choice to skip certain tournaments is not about diminishing competitiveness but about strategically conserving his energy to peak when it matters most—primarily at the four Grand Slam events.
### **Djokovic Responds to Speculation About His Motivation**
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has not shied away from addressing questions about his current motivation and future in the sport. In an interview with *La Nacion*, Djokovic candidly spoke about the challenges he faces as a veteran on the tour, especially the toll of constant travel and the strain of being away from his family. Balancing professional ambitions with personal responsibilities has become more challenging, particularly as a father, but Djokovic made it clear that he still has a burning desire to compete at the highest level.
“Traveling and finding motivation is becoming more difficult for me,” Djokovic admitted. “It’s not easy. And even less so with children. I don’t want to be away from home for so long, but I still have the drive.” The Serb humorously acknowledged that those hoping for his retirement would have to wait a while longer, as he remains committed to chasing additional Grand Slam titles and contributing to Serbia’s Davis Cup efforts.
### **Aiming for More Grand Slam Glory and Davis Cup Success**
Despite a reduced schedule, Djokovic’s primary goals remain clear: he still believes he has more Grand Slam victories within reach and is determined to extend his record further. “Deep inside I feel that I still have more Grand Slams to win,” he asserted. This relentless pursuit of Grand Slam glory continues to fuel his motivation, with the majors serving as both a measuring stick for greatness and a source of personal pride.
Additionally, Djokovic’s commitment to team events, particularly the Davis Cup, underscores his strong sense of national pride. He has repeatedly stated that representing Serbia on the global stage holds a special place in his heart, and he remains eager to contribute to his country’s success in the tournament, even if it means adjusting his individual goals.
### **Recent Performances and the Road Ahead**
Djokovic’s last competitive appearance was at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, where he had a memorable run, including a dramatic semifinal loss to Jannik Sinner, the eventual champion. He rebounded by defeating long-time rival Rafael Nadal in a third-place match, marking their final meeting before Nadal’s anticipated retirement. Even in an exhibition setting, Djokovic’s competitive spirit was evident, showcasing his enduring love for the game.
As he navigates this next phase of his career, Djokovic’s choices will continue to be closely watched. His decisions about which tournaments to play, which to skip, and how to balance professional aspirations with personal commitments will likely set the tone for the twilight of his illustrious career. Andy Roddick’s observations provide a valuable perspective on Djokovic’s evolving strategy, highlighting how even the greatest players must adapt as they approach the later stages of their careers.
For Novak Djokovic, the chase for glory is far from over—it’s simply more focused, more deliberate, and more reflective of a man who has nothing left to prove but still everything to enjoy about the sport he loves.