by Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic doubts Novak Djokovic will compete at the 2024 ATP Finals but expects the Serb to “try again” to take part in the event next year.
Ljubicic, a former world No. 3, believes Djokovic’s performance at the Shanghai Masters proved he can still “challenge the best” if “he wants to compete.”
On Wednesday, Djokovic withdrew from the 2024 Paris Masters, which will take place next week from October 28 to November 3.
“Unfortunately I won’t be playing at the Paris Masters this year,” wrote the 24-time Grand Slam winner on Instagram.
“I have many great memories of winning seven titles and hope to be with you again next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there.”
Djokovic has a good chance of qualifying for the 2024 ATP Finals as he is ranked sixth in the Race to Turin, but he could skip the event. The eight best players in the annual rankings qualify for the championships at the end of the season.
The 37-year-old won the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals last year, capping an outstanding 2023 season with three Grand Slam titles. He holds the record for the most titles at both the Masters 1000 event in Paris and the ATP Finals, with seven triumphs each.
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Djokovic last appeared at the Shanghai Masters, where he finished second to Jannik Sinner earlier this month.
Speaking to Sky Sport, Ljubicic expressed his uncertainty about Djokovic’s motivation to continue playing in the absence of his great rivals Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.
“I don’t know and I don’t think he knows at the moment either,” said the Croatian.
“In my opinion his goal is definitely the tournaments and not the rankings because to move up he would have to play a lot more.
“He is neither physically nor mentally prepared for it, but he showed us in Shanghai that he can challenge the best if he wants to compete.
“I doubt he will play in Turin this year, but next year he will try again.”
Djokovic admitted last month that he was “finished” with tournaments other than Grand Slams and team competitions where he represents Serbia.
“Turin is not my goal at all to be honest, I’m not chasing the ATP Finals, I’m not chasing the rankings etc,” the world No. 4 told reporters in Serbia during a Davis Cup match against Greece .
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