Speculation around Novak Djokovic’s return to the ATP tour before the end of the year has continued to grow. The 24-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 decided to skip the Rolex Paris Masters this week, choosing not to defend the title he won in 2022 after defeating Grigor Dimitrov in the final. This decision has left many fans wondering if Djokovic will make another appearance on the ATP circuit before the season’s end. The Serbian superstar has previously stated that his primary goals now revolve around Grand Slam titles and representing Serbia in team events, but his recent success at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai in October led to increased anticipation of his qualification for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.
Despite a successful season on some fronts, Djokovic’s goals have shifted, especially following his triumph at the Olympics in Paris over the summer. Winning an Olympic gold medal was a long-held dream that Djokovic finally realized, adding a crucial accolade to his legendary career. However, it has been an unusual year for the Serbian star: for the first time since 2017, Djokovic has not captured an ATP or Grand Slam title. This dip in his typically high winning standards has fueled questions about his next steps, especially with the end of the season fast approaching and the Finals within reach.
With Djokovic currently on vacation in the Maldives and reportedly not training, the likelihood of him competing again this year is uncertain. The 37-year-old has hinted that the ATP Finals in Turin, which he previously dominated, may not be part of his immediate plans, even if he qualifies. Serbian media outlets are reporting that Djokovic may forgo the Finals entirely, opting to prioritize rest and recovery in preparation for next season. As of now, Djokovic’s qualification for the ATP Finals is almost assured, but it depends on a few key outcomes: Andrey Rublev would need to win the title in Metz, Alex de Minaur would need to triumph in Belgrade, and Casper Ruud would have to reach the semi-finals in Metz for Djokovic to miss out.
Adding to the speculation around Djokovic’s future, former ATP star and tennis analyst Greg Rusedski recently shared his thoughts on Djokovic’s current status in an interview with Tennis Channel. Rusedski emphasized the importance of Djokovic’s health, specifically pointing to an ongoing knee issue as a possible factor in his decision-making. Rusedski stated, “I think he needs to get healthy. We still see that knee brace there, and once we don’t see that anymore, he’s back. Last season, he won the ATP Finals and played in Davis Cup, so he couldn’t get the prep he needed for this season. Then he picked up that injury at the French Open.”
Rusedski is convinced that if Djokovic can regain full health, he will be a top contender at every major tournament in 2025. “For me, if Novak is 100% healthy, he is in the mix to win every major again next year. Health is your wealth, and the older you get, the smarter you need to get. Off-season to me is huge, and the longer he can make his off-season, the better he will be for 2025,” Rusedski explained. However, he noted that Djokovic’s competitive spirit makes it difficult to rule him out entirely for the remainder of 2024. “I’ll be surprised if he plays in Turin or any more tennis this season, but never discount him.”
The decision on whether to play in Turin or focus entirely on next season looms large for Djokovic. Given that he’s not currently practicing, it would be a surprise to see him take the court in Turin in just over a week. Many believe Djokovic is likely to announce his withdrawal soon and turn his attention to achieving his long-term career goals in 2025. These objectives include claiming a 25th Grand Slam title, aiming for his 100th career ATP title, and breaking further records in tennis history.
Djokovic also has another event on his calendar this year: the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, where he will pay tribute to his long-time rival, Rafael Nadal, who is expected to retire at the end of November. Their rivalry has defined an era in tennis and ranks as one of the most iconic in all sports. Djokovic and Nadal met for the last time in an official ATP match at the Paris Olympics this past summer, marking an emotional moment for both players. Recently, Djokovic and Nadal also competed in an exhibition match at the inaugural “Six Kings Slam” in Saudi Arabia, although this match does not count toward their official records.
Their competitive dynamic has pushed both players to new heights throughout their careers, and Djokovic has often credited Nadal for motivating him to elevate his game. Reflecting on their rivalry, Djokovic has used powerful words to acknowledge Nadal’s role in shaping his approach to tennis. While Nadal has expressed similar admiration for Djokovic, he has maintained that Roger Federer remains his greatest rival, showcasing the unique relationships these legends share.
For Djokovic, Nadal’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter, not just in his career, but in the broader history of tennis. As he looks to next year, Djokovic’s legacy continues to grow, and his commitment to the sport remains as strong as ever. Whether he competes again in 2024 or not, his eyes are set on further cementing his place among the greatest players in tennis history. The Serbian icon’s ultimate goals may involve writing a new chapter entirely, as he seeks to push boundaries, break records, and set new benchmarks in the sport he has dominated for over a decade.