It wasn’t to be for Novak Djokovic in New York, as he suffered another Grand Slam semifinal defeat.
After losing to Alexander Zverev in the Australian Open semis and to Jannik Sinner in the French Open and Wimbledon semis, Djokovic returned to the final four at Flushing Meadows.
Taking on Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, the Serbian legend was going to need to produce something special if he wanted to upset the man 16 years his junior.
Photo by KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images
Unable to do so, Djokovic lost to Alcaraz in straight sets, 4-6, 6-7, 2-6, as he finished the year without an appearance in a major final for the first time since 2017.
With fans wondering when they will see Djokovic return to ATP Tour action, all signs are pointing towards the 38-year-old withdrawing from another ‘big’ tournament.
Novak Djokovic set to withdraw from the Shanghai Masters
In the lead-up to the event, promotional material has been released for the upcoming Shanghai Masters tournament.
Eagle-eyed fans noticed that Djokovic hasn’t been mentioned, and was a notable absentee on the event’s poster.
The likes of Alcaraz, Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz are all featured, but Djokovic is nowhere to be seen.
His absence doesn’t come as too much of a surprise, given his post-match comments in New York.
Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
The Serb didn’t sound up for playing too many more tournaments before the year’s end.
“I’m planning to play the Athens tournament, that’s for sure. But other than that, it’s really still a question mark where I’m going to go and what I’m going to do,” he said.
Djokovic is currently pencilled in for the Athens ATP 250 event and the Six Kings Slam exhibition tournament in 2025.
His participation in Athens may seem strange, but it makes more sense when you know the full story…
Novak Djokovic has moved his family to Greece
Greek site ‘Tennis news‘, reported that Djokovic has moved his family to Greece, renting a house in Glyfada, Athens.
Djokovic’s two children have been enrolled in a nearby school and were seen practising at the local tennis club, ‘Kavouri Tennis Club’, recently.
In an interesting turn of events, the Belgrade Open, a tournament ran by Djokovic’s family, was moved to Athens earlier this year, for political reasons.
Despite the move, Djokovic still intends to compete in the event and will likely do so as the number-one seed and tournament favorite.
Whether he will appear at any other events before the end of the year remains to be seen, but it will certainly be something to look out for.
Serbia’s Davis Cup captain gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s absence
Djokovic had an opportunity to make a swift return to action at the Davis Cup this week.
Serbia are set to play Turkey in a World Group tie, although Djokovic won’t be making the trip back home.
Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/Getty Images
Instead, the team will be led by top-100 stars Miomir Kecmanovic and Hamad Medjedovic.
Serbia’s Davis Cup squad vs TurkeyMiomir KecmanovicHamad MedjedovicBranko DjuricStefan LatinovicMatej Sabanov
Sharing his thoughts on Djokovic’s absence, Serbia’s Davis Cup captain, Victor Troicki, had this to say.
“Novak [Djokovic], who played in the semi-finals of the US Open, is not with us; a place is reserved for him in the team whenever he is available,” he said.
Earlier this year, Djokovic explained just how important the Davis Cup is to him, suggesting he values the event more than the four Grand Slams.
“The only thing I currently have in my vision… It’s interesting when we talk about those achievements and the Olympics, which stands out alongside the Davis Cup. What gives me motivation is the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles and playing for my country,” he said.
“And yes, the Grand Slam tournaments, but not even they motivate me as much as the Olympics.”
Knowing how much representing his country means to him, it will certainly be interesting to see if Djokovic suits up for Serbia again in 2026.