Novak Djokovic is poised to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin as one of the top players in this year’s ATP Race standings. Currently ranked sixth, Djokovic would easily secure a spot in the season-ending event, which gathers the year’s top eight players for a high-stakes showdown in Italy. However, it appears that Djokovic may have already ended his competitive year by stepping back from the tour to focus on his personal life and recalibrate his goals in tennis.
Djokovic’s legacy at the ATP Finals is unmatched. Just last year, he captured a record-extending seventh title at the event, underscoring his remarkable ability to perform in the most elite settings. Yet, despite being on track to qualify again, Djokovic has expressed little desire to compete in Turin. Reflecting on his priorities, he shared his changing focus: “Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings,” he stated, adding that his passion is now directed toward playing for his country in the Davis Cup and pursuing success in the Grand Slams.
The statement reflects a shift in Djokovic’s motivation, a realization that at 37, he no longer feels compelled to compete for points, rankings, or even non-Slam titles. “As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career,” he clarified after representing Serbia in the Davis Cup in September. With his focus pivoting almost exclusively to national team events and the four majors, Djokovic’s recalibration could signal a new phase in his career where personal milestones and high-impact events take precedence over ATP tournaments.
For fans and analysts, Djokovic’s absence from Turin may be disappointing but understandable. The ATP Finals, while prestigious, entail an intensive week of preparation, travel, and media obligations, which might not appeal to Djokovic given his desire for a more streamlined calendar. Images of him relaxing on the beaches of the Maldives suggest a readiness to rest and reflect rather than return to competition this year. Djokovic’s commitment to a part-time schedule could impact his ATP ranking, yet the seasoned champion remains confident that this shift will allow him to maintain peak form for the Grand Slams and Davis Cup.
Despite his limited schedule, tennis expert and coaching icon Patrick Mouratoglou believes Djokovic is far from done. Speaking exclusively with Tennis365, Mouratoglou urged caution against underestimating the Serbian star, even as he scales back. “I think he had a very bad year, but it came after an incredible year,” Mouratoglou noted, referring to Djokovic’s dominant 2023 season, where he captured three Grand Slam titles and reached the final of the fourth.
This year may not have met Djokovic’s high expectations, but Mouratoglou insists the Serb is still a formidable force. After securing Olympic gold in Paris, Djokovic proved he could still beat the best, dispatching young phenom Carlos Alcaraz with confidence in the final. “He’s not far away,” said Mouratoglou, pointing out that Djokovic’s skill and strategic expertise remain competitive against rising stars like Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. “I think he can still win Grand Slams, I’m sure about it.”
For Mouratoglou, Djokovic’s success moving forward will depend less on technique than on motivation. “It’s only about his motivation,” he asserted. After spending the majority of his career chasing the “Big Three” rivalry with Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer, Djokovic reached a peak, achieving a record-breaking 24th Grand Slam title earlier this year. Now, with Federer retired and Nadal approaching retirement, the dynamic that fueled Djokovic’s early career ambitions has shifted.
The weight of the “Big Three” rivalry undoubtedly took a toll on Djokovic, yet it also sustained his drive. With Nadal’s waning presence on the tour, Mouratoglou suspects Djokovic may be grappling with a sense of closure, having achieved the long-coveted title of the greatest of his generation. “From the start of the season, you could see that Rafa was struggling so much, and it probably came to [Djokovic’s] mind, ‘Well, I won,’” Mouratoglou suggested. “When you fight all your life for something and you finally get it, where do you find the motivation?”
Mouratoglou hopes this year of introspection will reignite Djokovic’s competitive fire, setting the stage for an unforgettable rivalry among the new generation, including Alcaraz, Sinner, and other rising stars. A revitalized Djokovic could make for thrilling Grand Slam contests in 2025, and Mouratoglou is optimistic about the prospect. “I hope this difficult year is something he will be able to use to feed his motivation and come back next year as good as the previous one. Then we’ll have a fight between those three that is going to be unbelievable, and I want to see it.”
While Djokovic’s limited schedule marks a departure from his past approach, his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest remains intact. The Serbian icon may no longer chase points or strive for year-end rankings, but his presence in the biggest tournaments will continue to draw fans and elevate the level of competition. As Djokovic approaches the twilight of his career, fans and pundits alike are eager to see what the next chapter holds, particularly as he continues to evolve, perhaps redefining what it means to be a champion on his terms.
With the ATP Finals in Turin just around the corner, it remains to be seen if Djokovic will join the year’s elite in Italy. However, his sights are firmly set on the future, likely with a more measured approach, prioritizing Slam titles and moments of national pride.