This time last year, Novak Djokovic seemed much closer to retirement than he does today. The 24-time Grand Slam champion said he prioritized only Grand Slam tournaments and international play on behalf of Serbia.
Djokovic skipped the 2024 ATP Finals, leading many fans to believe he would do the same this year. However, this will not be the case, according to Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation.
Update
Tonight, Novak Djokovic beat Alejandro Tabilo in straight sets at ATP 250 Athens: 7-6 (3), 6-1. After the match, Djokovic was asked about Binaghi’s comments and denied that he had already committed to playing the 2025 ATP Finals in Turin.
“I don’t know where he (Binaghi) got this information from. Certainly not from me or my team. I will make my decision at the end of this tournament,” Djokovic replied.
ATP Finals plans announced early
“We have confirmation that Djokovic will be in Turin,” Binaghi told Italian radio Rai Gr Parlamento on Monday. The premature confirmation of Djokovic’s plans surprised many fans, perhaps even Djokovic, who has not yet confirmed his plans.
Djokovic qualified for the ATP Finals for the 18th time, equaling Roger Federer’s all-time record. The seven-time ATP Finals champion won the year-end tournament for the last time in 2023.
The 2025 ATP Finals will be held in Turin, Italy for the second year in a row. However, Djokovic still has to play the Vanda Pharmaceuticals Hellenic Championship (ATP 250 Athens) this week.
Retirement plans revisited
Djokovic’s schedule has kept the entire sport on its toes. He retired during his match against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam and withdrew from the 2025 Rolex Paris Masters, which Jannik Sinner won on Sunday.
But if you think Djokovic is planning to retire from the sport any time soon, think again. The 38-year-old recently revisited the subject in an interview with the Greek media outlet’s Vicky Georgatou. ADNSD.
“Many thought that after the Olympics, after winning gold, I would end my career. But I don’t play tennis only for achievements,” Djokovic explained.
“Of course they are a big part of my motivation, but I also play tennis because I really enjoy competing. I enjoy the process and everything that tennis gives me: for me personally, for my family, but also what I bring to tennis as long as I remain an active professional.”
Reasons not to retire
“I know that as long as I play, I will be in the public eye. I am aware of this responsibility, but it does not bother me, on the contrary, I like it. I like being able to contribute to the development, popularity and progress of our sport. There are also other reasons, personal and professional.
“So there are other reasons why I continue to play, not just the results. When you achieve everything, when you win Olympic gold, of course, it’s a bit strange to go back to tournaments and start from scratch. But, at the same time, it’s a source of inspiration: I feel that I still have motivation and the desire to take on new challenges.”
Djokovic will face Alejandro Tabilo in the round of 16 at the ATP 250 in Athens later today. Meanwhile, the ATP Finals will take place from November 9 to 16. Stay Locked in Sports Illustrated Serve on IF for all your tennis news on the court and beyond.
