Former
Roger Federer’s coach, Ivan Ljubicic, doubts Novak Djokovic will compete in the
ATP Finals following his Paris Masters withdrawal. The Croatian ex-tennis
player believes Djokovic’s participation in the Shanghai Masters showed that,
when motivated, he can compete against anyone.
On multiple
occasions, Djokovic has stated his main goals are the Grand Slams and
tournaments where he represents Serbia, like the Olympic Games or Davis Cup.
Djokovic has played just nine tournaments this season, including the four Grand
Slams and only four Masters 1000 events.
His Paris
Masters withdrawal—where he holds seven titles—adds to his absences at the
Miami, Madrid, Montreal, and Cincinnati Opens. "Unfortunately, I won’t be
playing the Paris Masters this year," the 24-time Grand Slam winner wrote
on Instagram. "I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles, and I
hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me
there."
Paris was
the only confirmed tournament left for Djokovic in the 2024 season. Whether he
will qualify for the ATP Finals remains to be seen, as he currently ranks 6th
with 3,910 points. Although in a favorable position, the results in Paris will
be critical in determining if he qualifies, as rivals like Alex De Minaur,
Grigor Dimitrov, and Tommy Paul could still bump him out of contention for
Turin.
Regardless,
Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Finals remains uncertain, as he may choose
not to attend even if he qualifies. Speaking with Sky Sports, Ivan Ljubicic
commented on Djokovic's current motivation, particularly after the retirement
of his major rivals—Roger Federer (2022), Rafael Nadal, and Andy Murray (2024).
Novak Djokovic at Wimbledon 2024 .
“I don’t
know, and I believe he doesn’t know either at the moment,” said the Croatian.
“In my opinion, his goal is definitely the tournaments and not the ranking
because to climb higher, he would have to play much more.
“He is
neither physically nor mentally prepared for it, but he showed us in Shanghai
that when he wants to compete, he can challenge the best,” Ljubicic added. “I
doubt he will play in Turin this year, but he will try again next year.”
Djokovic
himself admitted that he has little interest in the ranking or Finals. “Turin
is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not
chasing the rankings, etc.,” the world No. 4 told reporters in Serbia during a
Davis Cup tie against Greece.
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.