Novak Djokovic set to attend Bosnia vs Italy qualifier during break from Tour

Novak Djokovic is set to attend the World Cup qualifying playoff final between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy on March 31, according to reports from Tribuna, with the Serbian using a break in his tennis schedule to travel to the region. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has stepped away from competition following his recent appearance at Indian Wells.

Djokovic’s presence at Stadion Bilino Polje comes after a period of reduced activity on the ATP Tour. The former World No. 1 exited Indian Wells in the round of 16, losing to Jack Draper, and subsequently withdrew from both the Miami Open and the Monte Carlo Masters, creating a window in his calendar.

The 36-year-old has often used breaks in the season to reset physically and mentally, and this latest period appears to follow a similar pattern. Rather than remaining within the usual training circuit, Djokovic has opted for a short stay in Bosnia and Herzegovina, combining personal visits with attendance at a major football fixture.

His trip has also included a return to Visoko, where he has previously visited the so-called Bosnian pyramids, a site he has shown continued interest in over the years. This marks another instance of Djokovic blending off-court interests with his competitive schedule during quieter stretches of the season.

Djokovic’s decision to attend the qualifier follows his early exit at Indian Wells, where he was beaten in three sets by Draper. That result extended a mixed start to his 2026 campaign, with the Serbian managing selective appearances while prioritising workload management ahead of the clay-court swing.

After skipping Miami, his withdrawal from Monte-Carlo drew additional attention, given the tournament’s significance as the opening ATP Masters 1000 event of the clay season.

Djokovic in recent years has become accustomed to adjusting his schedule and skipping tournaments that are not Grand Slams – including Masters events – although in Monte Carlo they had counted on his presence for the last 15 years, the only tournament in the category he had not missed in the last decade and a half. Since his debut in 2006, he only missed the 2011 edition due to injury.

Taking advantage of his time away from the courts, Djokovic travelled to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where he was seen in Visoko alongside Dr. Semir Osmanagic, the founder of the “Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun.”

“Novak Djokovic in his seventh visit to the Bosnian Pyramids district,” posted on social media the travel guide alongside pictures with Nole. “The best tennis player in the world of all time, Novak Djokovic, is once again visiting the Bosnian Pyramids district. On Monday, March 30, 2026, he arrived in Visoko in the afternoon hours where he met with the director of the ‘Archaeological Park: Bosnian Pyramid of the Sun’ Foundation and the discoverer of the Bosnian pyramids, Dr. Semir Osmanagic.”

Djokovic is expected to be in attendance for the playoff final between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy, a match that will determine qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The fixture carries added significance for Bosnia, who are aiming to reach the tournament for the first time since their debut appearance in 2014.

The Serbian has a well-documented interest in football and has frequently attended major matches when his schedule allows. His appearance at Bilino Polje aligns with that pattern, with La Tribuna reporting that he plans to be present for the decisive encounter.

In the lead-up to the match, Djokovic shared images from his visit to the Bosnian pyramids, indicating his presence in the country ahead of the fixture. His movements over recent days have been closely followed, particularly given his absence from the ATP Tour during this stretch.