Novak Djokovic withdraws from Paris Masters, puts ATP Finals at stake
Novak Djokovic might have already played his last match of the 2024 season. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has reportedly withdrawn from the Paris Masters. Furthermore, Djokovic has decided not to pursue qualification for the upcoming ATP Finals, as he plans to sit out the tournament this season. The 37-year-old is apparently looking to spend more time with his family now that he has completed some major tournaments of the season. The 2024 season was highly successful for Djokovic, as he finally claimed his first-ever Olympic gold medal by defeating Carlos Alcaraz at the Paris Olympics.
Novak Djokovic opts out of Paris Masters, uncertainty looms over ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic recently wrapped up the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh. The champion met his long-time rival Rafael Nadal in the third place match in what happened to be their last time facing off each other. Rafael Nadal will retire from his professional career in November after the Davis Cup Finals. Thus, the Six Kings Slam tournament played a key role in pitting Nadal against one of his most challenging opponents, Djokovic for the final time. The Serbian claimed the third place in the exhibition event as he won against the Spaniard 6-3, 7-6.
With the exit of Nadal lined up in the near future, Novak Djokovic is the sole remaining of the legendary ‘Big 3’ in ATP Tour. Winning the Olympics gold earlier this year, Djokovic expressed his wish to play the next edition, the 2028 LA Olympics as well. While Djokovic isn’t planning to retire any time soon, the Serbian looks keen on managing his stay on the ATP tour and spending some quality time with his family as well. In a recent interaction, Djokovic opened up about wanting to play the perfect ‘father’ to his kids, Tara and Stefan.
“It is important they see me as a father in the real sense of the word, as a father who is at home, with them, who follows the routine, the time to go to bed, to get up, take them to school, talk to them about life, play with them. That’s the person I want to be for them, not the father “Novak Djokovic” who is outside,” Djokovic said recently.
Consequently, Djokovic has opted out of playing at the ATP Masters 1000 event this season. Notably, Djokovic would have been the defending champion this season with him boasting an enviable record at the event. The Grand Slam victor has won the Paris Masters title a record 7 times, a precedent which is still to be beaten. The decision, furthermore, has cast a shadow on his participation at the ATP Finals this year. While Djokovic is currently ranked 4th in the ATP standings, he has not qualified for the finals so far. Jannik Sinner, ranked No. 1 along with Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are the only qualifiers for the 2024 edition.
