Novak Djokovic’s season may have ended earlier than all the other players. The Serbian legend did not want to defend the title at the Rolex Paris Masters and took a vacation in Maldives with his family. Barring any unlikely surprises, the former world number 1 will be among the eight qualifiers for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin and will have a tough decision to make. The feeling is that the 24-time Grand Slam champion does not want to play the last major event of the ATP season, but it would be a problem from a disciplinary point of view to skip the ATP Finals without a valid reason.
Novak Djokovic, Shanghai Masters 2024© Stream screenshot
Already in September, the 37-year-old from Belgrade had confided that only Grand Slam tournaments and events in which he can represent Serbia are real goals at this point in his career. In addition – according to the media of his country – it seems that Nole will not go to Turin to play the ATP Finals. However, the lack of presence in Turin could have repercussions on Novak also in 2025. The Serbian champion could indeed leave the Top 8 of the ATP ranking and would risk having to face Jannik Sinner or Carlos Alcaraz very soon at the 2025 Australian Open.
Despite not winning an ATP title in 2024, it was not a season to be forgotten by the Serbian legend. Djokovic has been fulfilling one of his greatest dreams by winning the gold medal at the Paris Olympics, thanks to an exceptional performance against Carlitos Alcaraz in the final. In addition, the former world number 1 reached the final at the Wimbledon Championships about a month after undergoing knee surgery.
New goals to achieve
During a recent interview with Tennis Channel, former ATP ace Greg Rusedski revealed that Nole can still win huge titles: “I was shocked that he played at Wimbledon. I had seen him train at Wimbledon a week before and thought he was just using it as a preparation for the Olympics, but he made it to the final on one and a half legs. It’s a feat. Incredible. He’s still a great champion.”
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic© @TheTennisLetter X account
He also added: “I think he needs to get healthy. We still see that knee brace there and once we don’t see that any more, he’s back. Last season he won the ATP Finals and played in Davis Cup, so he couldn’t get the prep he needed in for this season. Then he picked up that injury at the French Open.
For me, if Novak is 100 per-cent 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 off he will be for 2025. I will be surprised if he plays in Turin or plays any more tennis this season, but never discount him.
For me, if Novak is 100% healthy and gets fit, he is 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. He has looked at Federer and Rafa, he has looked at the competition and knows he has to change a few things to beat the likes of Sinner and Alcaraz back to back.”
Nole’s status has changed
Nole will try to claim his 25th Major title at the 2025 Australian Open, but he will be third-best favorite behind Sinner and Alcaraz. Although the Serbian legend has made history at Melbourne Park, his level has fallen in the last twelve months and he seems to be struggling to keep up with the pace of the world’s top two players.
Novak Djokovic, Six Kings Slam 2024© Stream screenshot
According to top analyst Patrick McEnroe, 2025 will be a crucial year for Djokovic: “I think next year will be his last year. It’s gotta be very tough to win more majors. If the Australian Open starts tomorrow, he is the third favorite. That’s pretty solid,” the American said. Rafa Nadal would have come back. Rafa wanted to play more and so did Roger Federer. They certainly didn’t think they had to win but they wanted to play. I think Novak would be the same. He is obviously still in the mix in a big way. There’s no doubt he can win the Australian Open. He won the Olympics on clay, which was amazing. Yes, he can win one or two more… Wimbledon obviously. There’s still not that many great grass-court players.”