Novak Djokovic may not play at the 2024 ATP Finals even if he qualifies after the latest pictures of the Serbian player were posted online.
Djokovic's last appearance was at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia, which took place from October 16th to 19th. Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune were the players who starred at the event.
Sinner won the largest paycheck in tennis history, $6 million, for winning the tournament, but the Six Kings Slam probably generated even more headlines for being the scene of Djokovic and Nadal's final match before the Spaniard retires.
Djokovic won their last meeting in straight sets and paid an emotional tribute to his great rival, calling him an incredible person who had done so much for the sport throughout his long career.
He also promised to be present in Malaga for Nadal's final appearance before retirement at the Davis Cup Finals next month. Spain plays the Netherlands in the quarterfinal, but whether the 38-year-old plans to play singles or just the doubles is unknown.
It was uncertain what Djokovic's plans were on the court for the rest of the season immediately after the Six Kings Slam. The Serbian is open about prioritizing Grand Slams since he is now 37, but he did appear in the Shanghai Masters before traveling to Saudi Arabia.
Although Djokovic has not ruled out playing at this year's ATP Finals if he qualifies, the seven-time Wimbledon champion previously stated that he might be done with tournaments like the year-end tournament.
The latest example of Djokovic prioritizing certain events was his withdrawal from this week's Paris Masters. He has won a record seven titles at the final Masters 1000 tournament of the season, including beating good friend Grigor Dimitrov in last year's final.
Djokovic is currently sixth in the race for the ATP Finals in Turin. Eight players qualify for the tournament, and the former world No. 1 has probably already done enough to make it, but his absence from the Paris Masters gives other players a slight chance.
However, it will not matter if Djokovic skips the ATP Finals. Roger Federer's former coach, Ivan Ljubicic, predicted that he would not play at the event where he also secured a record seven titles.
A picture of the ten-time Australian Open winner that circulated on social media makes Ljubicic's prediction more likely. As seen below, Djokovic is currently in the Maldives holidaying with his family.
It is not inconceivable that Djokovic is taking a break in the popular holiday destination before returning to train for his probable appearance at the ATP Finals, which starts on November 10th.
But that approach does not seem seem normal for someone like Djokovic. Although the 37-year-old does not compete as often as in the past, he usually trains and prepares properly for the tournaments he targets.
It remains to be seen whether Djokovic will play at the 2024 ATP Finals if he qualifies. At the moment, the only certainty is that he will appear in the stands for Nadal's farewell at the Davis Cup Finals.