Novak Djokovic has cast uncertainty over his potential participation in the ATP Finals scheduled for November, as he contemplates being more selective about his future tournament choices. The Serbian tennis star, who recently triumphed over Ioannis Xilas at the Davis Cup with a commanding 6-0 6-1 victory, emphasized that his primary focus now lies on representing his country and competing in Grand Slam events.
“Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings, etc.,” Djokovic candidly disclosed to Serbian reporters post-match. Delving further into his plans, he added, “As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career. Whether I will play other tournaments this year or in the future, I can’t say right now.”
Despite his ambivalence towards certain tournaments, Djokovic stressed that events like the Davis Cup serve as a driving force, spurring him to prolong his illustrious career. Competing on home turf in Belgrade, the 24-time Grand Slam champion helped Serbia take a commanding 2-0 lead over Greece in their World Group Stage encounter.
“I thought that I would never have to seek motivation anywhere; it all used to come naturally – automatically – but that has not been the case in the last few years,” Djokovic reflected on the challenges of sustaining his competitive drive in the later stages of his career.
In another revelation, Djokovic confirmed his absence from the ATP 250 tournament in Belgrade at the beginning of November, asserting firmly, “I am not playing, that won’t change.” He elaborated on his need for physical, emotional, and mental rest before deliberating on his next steps in the sporting realm.
When asked about his potential participation in the ATP Finals, Djokovic remained guarded, stating, “Whether I will play other tournaments this year or in the future, I can’t say right now.”
Djokovic’s heartfelt sentiments reflect his evolving approach to tournament commitments and underscore the complexities of aligning personal aspirations with professional obligations in the world of professional tennis. His strategic introspection raises questions about the delicate balance between pursuing individual accolades and upholding national pride on the global tennis stage.