Novak Djokovic’s 2024 season appears to be winding down, as the Serbian superstar experienced a challenging year on the ATP circuit. For the first time since 2006, he concluded a season without winning a trophy. However, the highlight of his year came at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he secured the elusive gold medal, a long-cherished goal in his illustrious career.
Despite his struggles on the ATP Tour, Djokovic remains in contention for the ATP Finals. As the defending champion, having triumphed at the event in 2023, he is technically qualified for this year’s tournament due to his accumulated points. However, with less than a week remaining before the tournament begins, Djokovic has not yet confirmed his participation. His absence from the ATP Finals would mark the likely conclusion of his 2024 season. This decision could ultimately benefit the 37-year-old, providing him with additional time to recover fully from a knee injury and prepare for the 2025 season.
A Shift in Focus: Grand Slams Over Masters
In recent years, Djokovic has expressed a clear preference for prioritizing Grand Slam tournaments over Masters 1000 events. Having achieved virtually everything in tennis, his current ambition centers on breaking the all-time record for most Grand Slam titles. Djokovic is tied with Margaret Court at 24 major titles and is determined to secure a record-breaking 25th, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players in the sport’s history.
The last of his Grand Slam victories came at the US Open in 2023. Following a Davis Cup outing in September 2024, Djokovic made it clear that competing in the ATP Finals was not among his primary goals. He emphasized his priorities as playing for national glory and excelling at Grand Slam events, stating that other tournaments had become less significant to him.
2024 ATP Finals Qualification Scenario
Despite skipping several Masters tournaments, Djokovic remains in a strong position to qualify for the ATP Finals. Since his early exit from the US Open, he has played sparingly, with his only notable appearance being at the Shanghai Masters, where he lost in the final to Jannik Sinner. He opted out of the China Open and Paris Masters but is still ranked sixth in the race to Turin, largely due to favorable results from other players.
Currently, five players—Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Taylor Fritz—have qualified for the ATP Finals. Djokovic is just five points short of automatic qualification. However, if he decides not to participate, Andrey Rublev, currently in ninth place, would replace him.
Speculation about Djokovic’s potential absence has grown, with former World No. 1 Andy Roddick suggesting that Djokovic might never compete in the year-end finals again. According to Roddick, Djokovic’s current priorities lie solely in winning Grand Slam titles, and he is unlikely to participate in tournaments where he is not fully motivated.
An Aging Champion Eyeing 2025
Djokovic’s remarkable career includes seven ATP Finals titles, including victories in 2022 and 2023. However, as he navigates the physical demands of an aging body, he must carefully manage his schedule. Following knee surgery earlier in 2024, Djokovic is likely to avoid taking any unnecessary risks that could jeopardize his fitness. Skipping the ATP Finals would give him ample time to recover and prepare for the Australian Open in January 2025, where he will aim for his historic 25th Grand Slam title.
Djokovic’s decisions reflect the evolving priorities of a seasoned champion who continues to chase greatness while safeguarding his longevity in the sport.