‘I was Roger Federer’s coach – I know reason Novak Djokovic isn’t playing’

 

'I was Roger Federer's coach - I know reason Novak Djokovic isn't playing'

Novak Djokovic withdrew from the 2024 Paris Masters (Image: Getty)

Roger Federer’s former coach Ivan Ljubicic has revealed why Novak Djokovic is not playing at this week’s Paris Masters. The Serbian tennis legend potentially ended his 2024 season by withdrawing from the tournament, which Ljubicic claims is because he is “physically or mentally ready anymore”.

Djokovic announced his decision last Wednesday ahead of the final Masters 1000 tournament of the year in Paris, which began on October 26 and concludes on November 3. The 24-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Instagram: “Unfortunately I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year. I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there.”

It is unclear whether Djokovic will play in the ATP Finals in Turin, should he qualify. He currently sits sixth in the Race to Turin rankings, with only the top eight in the yearly rankings making it.

The 37-year-old won the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals last year to cap off an outstanding 2023 season that featured three Grand Slam titles. But Djokovic’s long-time friend and former world no.3 Ljubicic believes the ageing Serbian is no longer concerned with his ATP ranking, and only has the mental and physical capacity to compete consistently for Grand Slams.

Ljubicic said: “I don’t know how much longer Novak will play, and I don’t think he knows it either. In my opinion, he is not interested in smaller tournaments or a place on the ATP list.

“I don’t think he is physically or mentally ready for that anymore. However, he showed everyone in Shanghai that when he wants to, he can still be among the best.”

'I was Roger Federer's coach - I know reason Novak Djokovic isn't playing'

Ivan Ljubicic [L] is Roger Federer’s former coach (Image: Getty)

Stay up-to-date with the latest Tennis news Join us on WhatsApp

Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The Croatian added: “I don’t think he’s even thinking about the final Masters in Turin. His focus is to prepare as best as possible for 2025 and the Australian Open.”

Djokovic himself once said that Ljubicic “knows my game” and stated it was “weird” to see his friend team up with his rival Federer as a coach. Djokovic has only one more exhibition with Juan Martin del Potro left in his calendar – which is to be the Argentine’s farewell match scheduled for December 1 in Buenos Aires.

His Paris Masters absence did not come as a great surprise given the Serbian already achieved his dream of winning Olympic gold for the first time in Paris in the summer, and has often stated his priority in the future is winning grand slams. Djokovic was denied his 100th title in Shanghai, China, earlier this month after losing to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final.

IPSO Regulated Copyright ©2024 Express Newspapers. “Daily Express” is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.

Related Posts

Rаfаel Nаdаl droрѕ worryіng hіnt аheаd of lаѕt рrofeѕѕіonаl tennіѕ mаtch

Rаfаel Nаdаl іѕ once аgаіn ѕtrugglіng wіth іnjury рroblemѕ (ріcture: Getty) Rаfаel Nаdаl hаѕ hіnted he mаy hаve to cаncel hіѕ ѕcheduled lаѕt рrofeѕѕіonаl tennіѕ mаtch due to…

Rаfаel Nаdаl Receіveѕ the Ultіmаte Ode to Hіѕ Tennіѕ Legаcy Wіth аn Emotіonаl Meѕѕаge From the Bіllіe Jeаn Cuр аnd Dаvіѕ Cuр

We’ve all been eager to honor Rafa and his stellar career – home to 22 Majors – and weirdly, still in disbelief. No one wants the ‘King of Clay’ gone. On October 10, Rafael Nadal shocked fans, announcing that he would withdraw from the ATP circuit and bid farewell at the Davis Cup Final 8 in Malaga, Spain. The former world-ranking leader couldn’t “play without limitations” after a painful history of injuries and a final blow to the knee in Melbourne in 2023.

WATCH – Mаlаgа wіll welcome Rаfаel Nаdаl іn ѕtyle

Rafa Nadal’s retirement is getting closer and closer

WATCH – Rаfаel Nаdаl іѕ workіng very hаrd іn рrаctіce

There are only a few days left before the start of the Davis Cup Finals

“I FEEL VERY LUCKY TO HAVE MY WONDERFUL WIFE JELENA AND OUR TWO WONDERFUL CHILDREN” Novаk Djokovіc Emotіonаlly Shаred About The Sрecіаl Gіft Hіѕ Chіldren Gаve Hіm

Please enable cookies.

Andrey Rublev points finger at Novak Djokovic over late ATP Finals withdrawal after Lorenzo Sonego calls out his ‘disrespectful’ Metz abandonment

Andrey Rublev explains what went down in Metz (Image source: GETTY) Andrey Rublev has responded to Lorenzo Sonego after the Italian called him out for being ‘disrespectful’…