WATCH: Novak Djokovic signals fitness for Athens Open after previous retirement

Novak Djokovic's participation in the inaugural 2025 Athens Open had been uncertain, but he seems likely to play after being filmed practicing.

Djokovic's last appearance was at the 2025 Six Kings Slam. The former ATP world No. 1 retired after the opening set of his match against Taylor Fritz. He looked physically hampered throughout the contest.

The tennis legend also had physical issues at the 2025 Shanghai Masters before that, despite reaching the semifinal. That has been a recurring theme for the 38-year-old, who admits his body struggles more than in the past.

Djokovic withdrew from the ongoing 2025 Paris Masters. Although he was not fit to play, the Serbian might have removed himself from the entry list anyway since he was on the Athens Open entry list.

A few days ago, Djokovic's brother, Djordje, issued a worrying update about Novak's fitness. The Djokovic family owns the Athens Open, which moved from Belgrade for this year's edition amid reports of the tennis star's tensions with the government.

Djordje described how a problem Djokovic had at the Shanghai Masters became more severe at the Six Kings Slam. Although he was making progress by that stage, his chances of being ready for the event in Athens seemed quite low.

However, Djokovic's fans can be encouraged by a video of him practicing at the OAKA Basketball Arena, where the Athens Open will be held. Attending the arena for training shows more intent than at a club somewhere.

It indicates that the 24-time Grand Slam champion thinks he will be ready for action, and wants to be comfortable in the surroundings before playing a match in front of what would undoubtedly be a sold-out crowd.

In the video, which can be viewed below, Djokovic is hitting backhand returns on the ad side. This year's Geneva Open champion comfortably returned what appeared to be serves hit at a comfortable pace.

Home favorite Stefanos Tsitsipas's withdrawal from the Athens Open makes Djokovic's involvement even more pivotal. Hopefully, he will suffer no setbacks and thrill the Greek fans by playing at the tournament.

Last year, Djokovic did not play any tournaments after the Six Kings Slam and withdrew from the 2024 ATP Finals. He did that to specifically prioritize preparing for the 2025 season and the Australian Open.

It is unclear whether Djokovic intends to play at this year's ATP Finals. The Athens Open may be used as ideal preparation before traveling to Turin for the year-end championships, scheduled from November 9th to 16th.

The other perspective is that Djokovic will end his season in Athens and withdraw from the ATP Finals for a second consecutive season, since his physical struggle in 2025 will make it challenging to play for two consecutive weeks.

Djokovic's honest words this year about his best chance of defeating Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner being outside of Grand Slams in a best-of-three set format might indicate he will prioritize the ATP Finals in a way he did not in 2024.