In a stunning turn of events, Novak Djokovic’s 2024 season hit another major setback when he announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals in Turin, citing a persistent knee injury. The 37-year-old Serb had been riding a wave of resurgence earlier in the year, even making it to the quarterfinals at the French Open, but it seems that the injuries that have plagued him in recent years are still haunting him. Djokovic’s absence from one of the season’s most prestigious events not only dashed his hopes of a 25th Grand Slam title in 2024, but it also forced him into another round of rehabilitation. His knee surgery, performed after the French Open, has been the main focus of his recovery, and it seems that the effects of pushing his body too hard have led to this latest injury.
### **The Injury Setback at the French Open**
The drama surrounding Djokovic’s injury began at the 2024 French Open, where he was scheduled to face Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. Just ahead of the match, Djokovic made the surprise announcement that he was withdrawing from the tournament due to a knee injury. The timing was particularly tough, as Djokovic was coming off a string of strong performances and was seen as one of the favorites to lift his 25th Grand Slam title in Paris.
This withdrawal not only marked a missed opportunity for the Serbian icon but also signaled that his knee, which had already undergone surgery between the French Open and Wimbledon, was still a significant issue. Djokovic had pushed through the pain earlier in the season, making it to the Wimbledon final and winning his seventh Olympic gold medal, which had long been his career’s crowning achievement. However, despite his grit, the toll of the injuries began to take their toll, forcing him to make the difficult decision to prioritize his long-term health over immediate competitive gains.
### **Tracy Austin Weighs In on Djokovic’s Injury**
American tennis legend Tracy Austin recently weighed in on Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Finals during an episode of the *Tennis Channel Live* podcast. Austin, who has long been an insightful commentator on the sport, explained that Djokovic’s withdrawal from the tournament did not come as a surprise. She speculated that the injury he is dealing with is likely the same knee issue that required surgery earlier in the year, after he had to miss the clay-court season following the French Open.
“I’m not surprised at all,” Austin said. “We saw him a few days ago vacationing in the Maldives with his family, and the ongoing injury—I’m going to assume—is the knee that was surgically repaired in between the French Open and Wimbledon. He was really pushing to play in the majors, got to the final of Wimbledon, won the Olympics, that was the crown jewel he wanted so much. Seven-time champion, he is probably thinking, ‘shut it down and make sure the knee heals before I start 2025.’”
Austin’s comments reflect the reality of the physical toll Djokovic’s career has taken on his body. Despite his remarkable longevity in the sport, the wear and tear of almost two decades at the top level has taken its toll, and it’s clear that Djokovic is being more cautious about his physical health going forward.
### **Djokovic’s Announcement and Rusedski’s Support**
Earlier in November, Djokovic took to social media to announce his withdrawal from the ATP Finals, apologizing to his fans and expressing his disappointment in missing out on the season-ending event. “I was really looking forward to being there. But due to a persistent injury, I won’t be playing there next week,” Djokovic wrote.
As Austin suggested, the persistent injury could very well be the knee issue that has been bothering him for much of 2024. Djokovic has been spotted wearing a knee brace on multiple occasions, particularly during high-stress moments of his matches, and this recent withdrawal from the ATP Finals only reinforces the notion that his body is still not fully healed.
Greg Rusedski, a former British tennis player, also weighed in on Djokovic’s decision, voicing his support and reasoning behind the withdrawal. Speaking on *Tennis Channel*, Rusedski shared his belief that Djokovic made the right call. “I will be surprised if he plays in Turin or plays any more tennis this season, but never discount him,” Rusedski said. “For me, if Novak is 100 percent healthy and gets fit, he’s in the mix to win every Major again. Don’t discount Novak. Health is your wealth, the older you become, the smarter you have to become, and he knows these things.”
Rusedski’s comments reflect a growing understanding within the tennis community that, while Djokovic may not be at his physical peak anymore, he still has the potential to compete for Majors if he can stay healthy. The mental strength and competitive fire that Djokovic has demonstrated throughout his career remain undiminished, but without the physical foundation to back up that mental game, even Djokovic’s determination can only take him so far. The decision to take time off now, to rest and recover for the 2025 season, seems to be the best move for a player who has already achieved so much in his career.
### **What’s Next for Djokovic?**
With his 2024 season essentially over, Djokovic is taking some well-earned time off, vacationing with his family in the Maldives. His absence from the ATP Finals and the remainder of the 2024 calendar is a necessary step in his rehabilitation process. Fans of the Serbian superstar are left wondering if he will be able to return to full fitness in time for the 2025 season.
For Djokovic, the priority now will be ensuring that his knee is fully recovered and that he can continue playing at the highest level. At 37, the physical demands of the sport are more challenging than ever, but Djokovic has never been one to shy away from adversity. His extended career is a testament to his adaptability, and if he can return to the form he showed earlier in 2024, when he reached multiple Grand Slam finals and had a successful run at Wimbledon, then the prospect of him competing for more Major titles in 2025 remains very much alive.
As Tracy Austin and Greg Rusedski both pointed out, Djokovic’s health is paramount. His decision to take a break from the ATP Finals, rather than pushing through the pain and risking further injury, demonstrates a shift in his approach—one that prioritizes his long-term goals over short-term glory. Djokovic has already proven he can win at the highest levels, and with the right recovery and preparation, the Serbian icon could be poised for another strong comeback in 2025.
### **Looking Ahead to 2025**
While Djokovic’s 2024 season ends with a tinge of disappointment, the journey ahead is filled with possibilities. The 25th Grand Slam title remains an achievable goal, but for now, the priority is healing and preparing for the 2025 season. The question on many tennis fans’ minds is simple: Can Djokovic bounce back stronger than ever and reclaim his place at the top of the tennis world? The answer, only time will tell. But one thing is certain—when Novak Djokovic is fully fit, he is a contender to win any tournament he enters, and that includes the Majors.