Novak Djokovic did not compete in any ATP 500 tournaments in 2024, but that will change in 2025 after he was confirmed for a new event.
37-year-old Djokovic plays in fewer tournaments than previously. The 24-time Grand Slam champion has spoken openly about the four Grand Slams and representing Serbia being his biggest priorities and said he might be done with events like the ATP Finals.
That meant Djokovic's withdrawal from the ATP Finals was unsurprising. He cited an injury as the reason for his decision, but reports had indicated for weeks that he might withdraw from the season-ending tournament.
Djokovic's decision to focus on the four Grand Slams did not generate the success he hoped for in 2024. The former ATP world No. 1 failed to win a major title this year for the first time since 2017.
However, the tennis legend did achieve his primary goal for 2024: securing the Olympic gold medal that eluded him throughout his career. Djokovic produced an incredible serving performance to overcome Carlos Alcaraz in the final.
That memorable success means Djokovic has won every significant honor in tennis. Some question whether the Serbian will be able to stay motivated after winning the gold medal but slipping behind Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner during the rest of the season.
Goran Ivanisevic's departure from his team in March may have impacted Djokovic this year. The Croat helped him win ten Grand Slams during a highly successful period of almost five years together.
The seven-time Wimbledon champion did not replace Ivanisevic until the end of the 2024 season. Tennis fans were left stunned and excited in equal measure when Djokovic appointed Andy Murray as his coach last month.
From 2011 to 2016, Djokovic and Murray played seven Grand Slam finals against each other. Although the Briton has no coaching experience, Djokovic feels Murray is the perfect choice because he can relate to competing on the most significant stages.
Djokovic might also be revising the number of tournaments he enters based on the scheduling decisions he has already made. The three-time French Open winner is among those on the Brisbane International entry list.
Reports indicate that Murray will not travel with Djokovic to the Brisbane International and that their partnership will begin at the Australian Open, but neither man has confirmed that.
Djokovic did not compete in February this year. However, the most statistically successful player in tennis history has been confirmed for the 2025 Qatar Open in Doha, which will run from February 17th to 22nd.
The tournament's social media pages excitedly announced the addition of Djokovic, a two-time winner of the event, and encouraged fans to grab tickets to see him while they are still available.
"Novak Djokovic is back! The 2-time champion will compete in the 2025 Qatar ExxonMobil Open, now an ATP 500 event, from Feb 17-22 at Khalifa International Tennis Complex. Don’t miss out—grab your tickets now!"
Jannik Sinner was also recently confirmed for next year's Qatar Open. The tournament's upgrade to 500-level status from 250 might have influenced Djokovic and Sinner's decision to sign up.
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