Novak Djokovic, one of the greatest tennis players of all time, is preparing for a new phase in his career. After a highly successful 2024 season, which included winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the US Open and a gold medal at the Paris Olympics, the Serbian star has made it clear that his playing schedule will be more limited in the coming years. Djokovic, who has been synonymous with tennis excellence for over a decade, has announced that he plans to reduce his participation in tournaments in 2025 and beyond, opting instead to focus more on his family and personal life.
While some fans may have been taken aback by Djokovic’s decision to scale back, it reflects a more measured approach to his final years on the tour. At 37 years old, with more than two decades of intense professional tennis under his belt, Djokovic is shifting his priorities. For a player who has won a record 24 Grand Slam singles titles and dominated the ATP Tour for years, this move towards a reduced schedule seems to be a natural evolution of his career.
### Djokovic’s Reduced Schedule: A Shift in Priorities
“I’m done with several tournaments,” Djokovic said, indicating that some of the tennis circuit’s traditional staples will no longer feature on his calendar. Most notably, Djokovic has made it clear that he will not return to the ATP Finals, which traditionally serves as the season’s grand finale. “As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career,” Djokovic stated after withdrawing from the event in 2024. His absence from the prestigious year-end tournament was notable, marking a departure from his usual participation in this event.
This marks a significant change in the life of a player who has long been committed to competing at the highest level. However, Djokovic is far from considering retirement. In fact, the Serbian legend intends to continue competing at the biggest events on the tennis calendar, with a particular focus on the four Grand Slam tournaments. He confirmed, “I don’t know what next year will bring in terms of schedule and everything. I know I still want to keep playing,” he added. “I have to see where I am in my life with my body and everything, but I still have plans to keep going, like these years, prioritizing the big events.”
This decision to play fewer tournaments, including skipping events that he traditionally participated in, is clearly a conscious choice driven by his desire to spend more time with his family. Djokovic has been candid about how important family life has become to him, particularly after so many years of being away on the ATP Tour. “Family life is very important to me,” he explained. “I want to be with my wife and children, to be part of their daily lives, which I haven’t been able to do for many years.”
### What’s on the Horizon for Djokovic in 2025?
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s clear that Djokovic’s priorities are shifting, but his passion for tennis and desire to compete at the highest level remains. Let’s take a look at the potential tournaments that Djokovic will play in during the 2025 season.
**1. Brisbane International (December 30 – January 5)**
In the past, Djokovic has often played a warm-up event before the Australian Open, and 2025 may see him return to the Brisbane International. While he competed in the United Cup in 2024, Serbia will not be participating in 2025, so Djokovic might opt for Brisbane as his preparation event, particularly since he won’t have played a competitive match since October’s Shanghai Masters. Historically, he has also competed in the Adelaide International and Qatar Open, but Brisbane seems like a likely choice.
**2. Australian Open (January 13 – 27)**
Djokovic’s love affair with the Australian Open is well-documented. The 10-time champion is a staple of the Melbourne Park event, and barring injury, he will be back to defend his title. After a shock semi-final exit to Jannik Sinner in 2024, Djokovic will be looking to reclaim the title and further cement his legacy. Despite reduced participation in other events, the Australian Open will undoubtedly be a major priority.
**3. Indian Wells (March 3 – 16)**
Indian Wells is one of Djokovic’s favorite tournaments, and although he hasn’t played there consistently in recent years, it would be no surprise to see him return in 2025. The five-time champion has won the prestigious tournament multiple times, and given the importance of the event on the ATP calendar, Djokovic is likely to prioritize it.
**4. Monte Carlo Masters (April 7 – 13)**
The Monte Carlo Masters marks the start of the clay-court season, and Djokovic has enjoyed significant success on the red dirt, having won the tournament twice. He will likely return to Monte Carlo in 2025, given his past success, though it’s possible he may skip events like the Miami Open and Madrid Open to spend more time with his family or focus on recovery.
**5. Italian Open (May 5 – 18)**
The Italian Open in Rome has been a mainstay in Djokovic’s career, and he will most likely continue to feature there. With a record of six titles, including a recent victory in 2022, Djokovic has always thrived in Rome, and it’s a tournament that fits into his reduced schedule. He has played the event every year since his 2007 debut, and the 2025 edition will likely be no exception.
**6. French Open (May 26 – June 8)**
While Djokovic added the Geneva Open to his 2024 schedule in preparation for Roland Garros, it’s expected that he will head straight to Paris in 2025. A three-time French Open champion, Djokovic will look to continue his success at the tournament. However, his performances in 2024 were marred by a knee injury, so his fitness and form will be key factors in how far he progresses in the tournament.
**7. Wimbledon (June 30 – July 13)**
Wimbledon remains one of Djokovic’s most beloved events, having won the title seven times. Given his traditional avoidance of warm-up events on grass, he will likely skip events such as the Stuttgart Open or Queen’s Club and focus solely on the Championships. Djokovic’s last victory came in 2022, but he has lost to Carlos Alcaraz in the final in the past two years, and he will be eager to make amends in 2025.
**8. Cincinnati Open (August 3 – 17)**
Cincinnati is a tournament that Djokovic has enjoyed tremendous success in, having won the title three times. Following his post-Wimbledon break in 2024 due to the Paris Olympics, Djokovic is likely to return to the Cincinnati Open in 2025, especially since it’s the only major event leading into the US Open.
**9. US Open (August 25 – September 7)**
After winning his 24th Grand Slam title at the 2023 US Open, Djokovic will undoubtedly return to Flushing Meadows in 2025. His title defense will be a highlight of the season, especially after his third-round exit in 2024. Djokovic has won four titles at the US Open, and he will be aiming for another shot at glory in New York.
**10. Davis Cup (September 8-14)**
Djokovic has always been a committed team player when it comes to representing Serbia in the Davis Cup. While his participation in the qualifiers will depend on Serbia’s progression, he is expected to play in the Davis Cup Finals if the team reaches that stage.
**11. Shanghai Masters & Paris Masters (October)**
The Shanghai Masters was a major highlight of Djokovic’s 2024 season, where he made it all the way to the final. Given his positive experience in the Chinese city, Djokovic may decide to return in 2025. However, his decision on whether he will play in the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals will depend on his physical condition and whether he feels it aligns with his reduced schedule.
### Looking Ahead: Djokovic’s Legacy and Final Years
While Djokovic’s reduced schedule may disappoint some fans, it reflects a deeper understanding of his life and career. As he approaches the final years of his legendary career, Djokovic is prioritizing quality over quantity, focusing on his family and maintaining his peak performance at the most prestigious events. The 2025 season promises to be an exciting one for the Serbian star as he continues to chase Grand Slam glory and add to his already stellar legacy.