Novak Djokovic, the reigning ATP Finals champion, will miss the prestigious tournament this year due to an injury that also forced him to withdraw from the Paris Masters. The Serbian ace, who won Olympic gold in 2024, has been struggling with injuries throughout the season.
Despite his setbacks, Djokovic remains a formidable force in tennis. His coach, Darren Cahill, recently warned players not to underestimate the 24-time Grand Slam champion. “Do not believe that Djokovic is doomed,” Cahill said. “He is a legend and legends always find a way to get out of difficult moments.”
Djokovic’s 2024 season was a mixed bag. He reached the Australian Open semi-finals but lost to Jannik Sinner in four sets. He also suffered early exits in Indian Wells, Monte Carlo, and the Italian Open. However, he bounced back to win his maiden Olympic gold medal in Paris and reached the Wimbledon final, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic’s injury woes continued at the US Open, where he crashed out in the third round. He is currently ranked fifth in the ATP standings and is expected to make his comeback in 2025, possibly at the Brisbane International.
Despite his recent struggles, Djokovic remains one of the most successful tennis players of all time. He has won 24 Grand Slams, the most among men in the Open Era. He is also a former world number one and has held the top spot for a record 387 weeks.
Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Finals will be a blow to the tournament. However, his coach believes that he will be back stronger than ever in 2025. “He demonstrated it in the way he won the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games,” Cahill said. “He is a legend and legends always find a way.”
