Novak Djokovic hints at skipping ATP Finals, reducing 2024 tennis schedule
What's the story
Novak Djokovic, the Serbian tennis star, has hinted at potentially missing the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. This speculation comes after his recent revelation of planning to reduce his tennis commitments for the remainder of 2024.
Despite being a seven-time champion of this prestigious event, Djokovic's participation this year remains uncertain.
The 37-year-old athlete is currently in Bulgaria and recently participated in an exhibition match against Grigor Dimitrov.
Here's more.
Exhibition match
Djokovic's recent match and future plans
Djokovic recently faced off against Dimitrov in an entertaining exhibition match in Sofia, Bulgaria. The event was organized to raise funds for Dimitrov's foundation.
Instead of joining Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Berlin this week, Djokovic participated in this charity event.
He also declined an invitation to compete in a tournament in the Far East but is still expected to play at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event commencing on October 2.
Personal priorities
Djokovic's focus on family life and Olympic victory
Despite not securing a Grand Slam title this year, Djokovic clinched the one major title that had previously eluded him - an Olympic gold in Paris.
Following his Olympic triumph, he desired to spend more time away from the circuit.
"Family life is very important to me," he stated. "I want to be with my wife and children, to be part of their daily lives, which I haven't been able to do for many years."
Career challenges
Djokovic's legacy at ATP Finals and injury struggles
Djokovic has a significant history with the ATP Finals, having first won in 2008 and securing four consecutive titles from 2012-2015.
His most recent victories were in 2022 and last season.
His year has been marred by injuries that could potentially lead to an early end to his campaign.
He was forced to withdraw from the French Open due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee, he admitted struggling with fitness issues ahead of the US Open.
Career numbers
Djokovic owns a 50-18 win-loss record at the ATP finals
The Serb owns a 50-18 win-loss record at the ATP finals, boasting a win percentage of 74.
He has won seven year-end Championship finals including six ATP finals and one Tennis Master Cup in 2008.
Djokovic is also a two-time ATP Finals runner-up (2016 and 2018), and has also finished as the year-end number one a record eight times.
Overall, he has won 99 career singles titles (including an Olympic gold medal). This includes 24 Grand Slam titles.
Records
Djokovic made these records by winning Paris Olympics gold
By winning the 2024 Paris Olympic gold medal, Djokovic became only the fifth player to complete the Golden Slam (winning all four Grand Slams and Olympic gold).
As per Opta, Djokovic became only the second player in the Open Era to have won all four Grand Slams, the Olympic gold medal, and the ATP Tour Finals. He joined legend Andre Agassi for this record.