Although the 2024 season has not been one of his best, Novak Djokovic is on the cusp of qualifying for the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals. Following his impressive run to the final at the Masters 1000 event in Shanghai just weeks ago, the former world number one has positioned himself close to the coveted top eight players who will compete for the title in what is regarded as the pinnacle of the ATP calendar.
Djokovic’s illustrious career has seen him dominate the tennis world, but now, as he approaches the latter stages of his career, his priorities have shifted. Even if he does qualify for the ATP Finals, there’s a strong possibility that he may opt to forgo the event in Turin, where he has emerged victorious in the last two editions. In a candid interview conducted in September, Djokovic himself acknowledged that his current focus is primarily on the Grand Slam tournaments and other events where he can represent Serbia.
### Recent Developments
After making the decision to skip the Rolex Paris Masters last week, Djokovic took some well-deserved time off in the Maldives with his family. He has since been spotted back in Belgrade, where he participated in the ATP 250 event. Given the current circumstances, it would be a significant surprise if the 37-year-old Serbian chose to travel to Turin for the 2024 ATP Finals. Speculation is mounting that Djokovic could announce his withdrawal in the coming days, especially with the draw for the event scheduled to take place on Thursday.
There is a possibility that Djokovic’s hope was to avoid the ATP Finals altogether, which would alleviate the pressure of making a complex decision about whether to participate. Skipping such a prestigious event without a valid reason could lead to disciplinary action from the ATP, including potential fines for the 24-time Grand Slam champion.
### Expert Insights
Eurosport analyst Guido Monaco recently shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s potential decision regarding the ATP Finals. “The general feeling is that Djokovic will not participate, even though skipping the Finals is unusual,” Monaco commented. “Many players would do anything to qualify, but for him, it makes sense not to go. From a sponsorship perspective, this is puzzling; the Finals are a major showcase, and many financial bonuses are tied to participation. As of today, we would be surprised to see him in Turin.”
Should Djokovic choose to skip the Finals, he may find himself slipping down the ATP rankings. This could pose challenges as he heads into the 2025 Australian Open, where he risks being seeded lower and potentially facing tough opponents like Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz in the round of 16. As the first Grand Slam of the new season approaches, it becomes clear that Djokovic’s ambitions remain high. With ten Australian Open titles already to his name, he aims to secure his 25th Grand Slam title in 2025.
### Reflections on a Legendary Career
During a lengthy interview with *La Nacion*, Djokovic took a moment to reflect on his extraordinary rivalry with fellow tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal. “I see it as one of the biggest rivalries, without a doubt, in all of sport,” he remarked. “I am very proud and feel totally honored to be part of that group. They are both older than me, with Rafa being just one year older and Roger six years older. Their influence on my game and my development as a tennis player has been more significant than any other player.”
Djokovic noted the significance of his journey, particularly how it evolved over time. “I became a candidate for the Grand Slams and started to reach the highest level of professional tennis when I won my first Grand Slam in 2008. However, it took another three years before I secured my second title in 2011. During those years, I was ranked number three in the world, which was challenging.”
Reflecting on his extensive matches against both Federer and Nadal, he expressed pride in having competed in over 60 matches against Nadal and nearly 50 against Federer. “It’s incredible,” he said. “I don’t know if there is any other rivalry with as many matches as I had with Nadal. Rivalries are incredibly important for any sport. People enjoy that duality.”
Djokovic continued to share insights about how he navigated the dynamic between himself, Federer, and Nadal. “There were those who questioned my presence in the rivalry, saying, ‘Novak, what are you going to do there? Who is this guy? There is no room for a third.’ But we ended up creating the most wonderful trio that tennis has ever produced.”
### Recent Matches
The last time Djokovic faced Federer was in the semi-finals of the 2020 Australian Open. His most recent encounter with Nadal occurred during the Paris Olympics this summer, a match that highlighted the continued intensity of their rivalry. Additionally, the two legends met in a controversial exhibition match in Saudi Arabia not long ago, further showcasing their enduring competitive spirit.
### Looking Ahead
As Djokovic considers his options for the remainder of 2024 and the beginning of 2025, his decision regarding the ATP Finals could have significant implications for his ranking and seedings in future tournaments. The possibility of missing out on the ATP Finals raises questions about the dynamics of his career as he transitions into the next phase.
In a world where many players strive to compete at the highest level, Djokovic’s focus on selective participation reflects a strategic approach to his career. He is aiming not only for more titles but also for meaningful representation of Serbia on the international stage.
The Serbian legend’s legacy continues to evolve as he navigates these decisions, keeping fans and analysts alike on their toes. With the Australian Open approaching, all eyes will be on Djokovic as he prepares to make a statement, proving that despite the challenges of the past season, he remains a formidable force in the world of tennis. The journey ahead promises to be just as thrilling as the rivalries that have defined his illustrious career.