A month and a half ago, Novak lifted the illusive gold medal from the Olympics in Paris, bringing the game of tennis full circle. The seasoned player clarified a few points when discussing his plans for the weekend after the Davis Cup.
Djokovic has stated that he no longer cares about obtaining a seat in the ATP Finals or a high ranking after all he has accomplished! Since 2007, the Serb has participated in 16 ATP Finals; he only missed the elite ATP event once in 2017 owing to an injury.
Novak is the most decorated player at this event with 50 victories and seven titles, and he has nothing more to show. A year earlier, he participated in his 16th ATP Finals in Turin and prevailed over
In the semi-final and final, the world’s top player once again made history by using his experience to demolish Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner. He lifted his seventh ATP Finals trophy.
Djokovic, who is presently ranked fourth, needs more time to decide what to do after winning the gold medal at the Olympics. He will not, at all, pursue a position at the ATP Finals. In addition, with 8 year-end no. 1 and 428 world no.
With no incentive to pursue anything else in the ranking segment, particularly given his age, the all-time greatest player has the #1 accolades. By winning three Major titles from four finals and delaying the younger opponents for one further year, Novak put an end to the clock in 2023.
Roland Garros won the Australian Open, and Djokovic
If Novak Djokovic is not able to make it to the ATP Finals, it won’t bother him.
But at the Olympic Games in Paris, Novak gave it his all, winning the gold medal and realizing his goals.
The seasoned player suffered in the next tournaments, losing the Australian Open championship to Jannik Sinner, and failed to make it to an ATP final before Roland Garros. In Paris, Djokovic sustained a right knee injury after losing five sets to Francisco Cerundolo and Lorenzo Musetti.
Despite clearing two challenges on Court Philippe-Chatrier, he withdrew before facing Casper Ruud in the quarterfinals. Before Wimbledon and Paris, Novak raised concerns and underwent surgery on June 5. As was the case on numerous occasions in the past, the greatest player of all time shown extraordinary mental and physical strength, making his way to London with his knee protected and making it to the championship match in pursuit of an eighth title!
Nevertheless, Alcaraz won 6-2, 6-2, 7-6, and retained the title, proving to be too formidable for the second year in a row.
The veteran was satisfied with the outcome considering the conditions, taking a few days off and going back to clay in time for the Olympic Games, which was his season’s ultimate goal.
In contrast to two months ago, Novak’s knee withstood all early pressure, defeating Rafael Nadal, Dominik Koepfer, and Matthew Ebden to reach the quarterfinals. Against Stefanos Tsitsipas, Djokovic suffered; he won the first set but found it difficult to win the second.
The veteran, who took a few days off and returned to clay in time for the Olympic Games—his season’s ultimate goal—was happy with the result given the circumstances.
Unlike when he faced Rafael Nadal, Dominik Koepfer, and Matthew Ebden two months prior, Novak’s knee withstood all early pressure to advance to the quarterfinals. Djokovic struggled against Stefanos Tsitsipas, winning the opening set but struggling to take the second.
After two hours and fifty minutes of intense play, the Serb emerged victorious, 7-6, 7-6, claiming his first gold medal in the Olympics and all 15 major titles!
They remained tied the entire time, saving all 14 break points. In the opening set, Djokovic overcame eight break opportunities in two tough games to win the tie break 7-3 and gain a significant advantage. The seasoned player maintained pressure on the other end and sealed the deal with a forehand down the line winner in the tie break, saving no break opportunities in the second set.
At the US Open, Novak lost to Alexei Popyrin in the third round and was unable to muster any motivation. He then played Greece again in the Davis Cup. The Serbian will consider his options while concentrating on the Majors and his Davis Cup responsibilities.
“I’m not aiming for the ATP Finals. I’m not contemplating.