Novak Djokovic has officially announced that he will not participate in the final two events of the ATP calendar this season: the Rolex Paris Masters and the prestigious Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. This decision comes on the heels of an announcement citing an injury, which has kept him sidelined during a crucial stretch of the season. Despite Djokovic’s explanation, his absence has drawn mixed reactions from fans and tennis insiders. Many expressed disappointment at the late nature of his decision, while some voiced their support for Djokovic’s cautious approach to preserving his health and career longevity.
Djokovic’s choice to end his season early reflects a significant shift in his focus and strategy at this stage of his illustrious career. Now 37, the Serbian legend appears to be concentrating his energy almost exclusively on the Grand Slam tournaments and the Davis Cup, leaving what he might consider “lesser” tournaments behind. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has had a subdued year in Masters 1000 events compared to his typically stellar standards, reaching only one final at the Rolex Shanghai Masters in October, where he fell short of clinching a victory.
The Belgrade native’s withdrawal from Turin also means that he has yet to claim his 100th career title, a milestone he now hopes to achieve in 2025. Turning 38 next year, Djokovic remains determined and has already mapped out the early stages of his next season. He has confirmed plans to participate in a tournament prior to the Australian Open, where he will aim for his 25th Grand Slam title and potentially his 11th victory in Melbourne. Entering the Australian Open as the world’s No. 7 seed, Djokovic may find himself facing top competitors like Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz as early as the quarterfinals—a scenario that poses a serious challenge but one that fans are sure to relish.
Amid his preparations for next year, Djokovic’s coaching situation has also drawn attention. This season has been a tumultuous one for the former world No. 1, marked by changes within his coaching team. Both Goran Ivanisevic and Marco Panichi have departed, leaving Djokovic without a primary coach. For now, he is being supported by his long-time friend and former doubles partner Carlos Gomez-Herrera. However, this arrangement has fueled speculation among fans and analysts regarding whether Djokovic will seek out a new high-profile coach for the 2025 season.
In a recent interview with Serbian broadcaster ‘Sport Klub’, Viktor Troicki, a former Davis Cup captain and close associate of Djokovic, shed light on the current state of the champion’s camp. “I am glad that Novak stated that he is 100 percent starting preparations for the new season,” Troicki shared. “We saw each other briefly, and I even heard that something was brewing with a new coach, with a big name. I don’t know anything about that specifically. That’s just some gossip I heard yesterday, not directly from him.”
Troicki continued by expressing optimism for Djokovic’s future endeavors. “If that’s true, it’s a sign that he is very motivated and wants to come back strong next year. This year, his focus was primarily on the Olympic Games, which shows that when he sets his mind to something, he can achieve it, as he has done many times before in his career. With proper training, I believe we can expect many more titles from him. He has the drive and determination that separates him from others.”
Troicki’s insights also highlighted Djokovic’s remarkable ability to elevate his game during critical moments, particularly at events that hold significant personal importance. “When Novak wants something badly, you can see it from the first training session. It was evident at the Olympic Games, and you could see it in Paris. He becomes sharper, more intense, and focused. It’s a testament to his greatness that, when he believes in himself, there is simply no equal.”
In 2024, Djokovic has proven that he still possesses the skills to contend for major titles. His run to the Wimbledon final—despite having undergone knee surgery just weeks earlier—was a testament to his resilience and competitive spirit. Additionally, his victory at the Paris Olympics, where he overcame Carlos Alcaraz in one of the most riveting matches of the year, demonstrated his enduring excellence on the world stage.
Looking ahead, 2025 could present Djokovic with one final opportunity to secure his 25th Grand Slam title. However, the road will not be easy. Rising stars like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz have both proven to be formidable rivals. Sinner, in particular, has emerged as a significant challenge, defeating Djokovic in recent matches and showcasing a game that some analysts describe as an evolution of Djokovic’s own. Alcaraz, while slightly less consistent than Sinner, remains a prodigious talent whose peaks of performance can be breathtaking.
Casper Ruud, reflecting on Sinner’s game after their ATP Finals clash, offered an interesting perspective: “With Novak, you can play rallies; it’s different because you don’t feel like you’re under constant attack. Jannik, though, plays at such a speed that it’s hard to keep up. He’s even more intense in person than he seems on TV.”
As Djokovic navigates the twilight of his career, the tennis world watches with bated breath. Can he maintain his elite level amidst rising competition, or will 2025 mark a turning point in his quest for greatness? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Novak Djokovic remains one of the sport’s fiercest competitors and an indomitable force in tennis history.