Novak Djokovic will not compete at this year’s Paris Masters event, where he is the defending champion.
Novak Djokovic’s loss to Jannik Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final was the Serb’s first time back on court since an early exit at this year’s US Open.-
However, the 24-time Grand Slam Champion doesn’t look to have a busy schedule, if any, between now and the end of the season.
In fact, Djokovic has only played in nine official ATP tournaments this year, far less than younger stars Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz who have both participated in 14.
Djokovic recently outlined his main goals for the rest of his career, shifting his focus towards the four Grand Slam events each year.
However, for fans worried about the Serb leaving the sport altogether, his wife may just have helped ease those concerns.
Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s wife, has been his biggest supporter since the pair met over 20 years ago.
24 Grand Slam titles later, she’s still supportive of Novak Djokovic and believes he has a lot more left in the tank.
Speaking to La Nacion, J. Djokovic addressed the shortened schedule that her husband has played so far in 2024.
“There are many tournaments, now he is choosing the right places to play,” she said.
“He will do what he wants for as long as he wants.
“We are very proud of him.
“If I can help him play longer, I will,” she said.
Novak Djokovic won Olympic gold in Paris earlier this year, a title which had eluded the Serb in his storied career to date.
J. Djokovic knows just how hard Djokovic worked to finally come home with gold.
“Olympic gold was a very difficult goal to achieve,” she said.
“It took him a long time to achieve but I know for sure that he won’t stop here.”
Despite all his success in tennis, J. Djokovic is most proud of the way her husband conducts himself.
“He is an ordinary man who comes from a simple, hardworking family,” she said.
“Traveling the world I have seen many people who are inspired by him because they are like him.
“I think Novak’s most beautiful victory is to be champion of the people.”
As it stands, Djokovic is set to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin later this year.
He is currently ranked 6th in the Race to Turin, with a 500+ point lead over ninth place.
Rank | Player | Points |
1 | Jannik Sinner | 10330 |
2 | Carlos Alcaraz | 6710 |
3 | Alexander Zverev | 6265 |
4 | Daniil Medvedev | 4820 |
5 | Taylor Fritz | 4290 |
6 | Novak Djokovic | 3910 |
7 | Casper Ruud | 3845 |
8 | Andrey Rublev | 3660 |
9 | Alex de Minaur | 3355 |
10 | Tommy Paul | 3135 |
However, following his withdrawal from Paris Bercy, the risk of the Serb falling out of the top eight rises, as the likes of Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur continue to pick up points.
Whether Djokovic qualifies for the season-ending finals, where he is a seven-time champion, or not, may not matter, as when speaking about his schedule earlier in the season he made it clear that the event is no longer a priority for him.
If Djokovic does choose to skip the event, that would bring his 2024 season to a close, his first without an ATP title in seven years.