In a turn of events that has surprised tennis fans worldwide, Novak Djokovic has dropped a significant hint that he may end his 2024 tennis season earlier than expected, potentially skipping the prestigious ATP Finals in Turin this year. The Serbian tennis legend, who has dominated the ATP Finals with a record-breaking seven titles, revealed that he is reconsidering his tennis schedule for the remainder of the year.

Djokovic’s 2024 campaign has been remarkable in many ways, with him securing Olympic gold in Paris – the one major title that had eluded him throughout his illustrious career. Yet, despite his triumphs, the 24-time Grand Slam winner has expressed his desire to cut down on his tennis commitments. Speaking at a press conference before his exhibition match with Grigor Dimitrov in Sofia, Djokovic opened up about his new approach to life and tennis.

“For the first time in my career, I don’t have any long-term plans,” Djokovic admitted. “I live in the moment, and I’ll see what happens. Today I’m playing against Grigor in Sofia, then in China for the Shanghai Masters, and an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. After that, we’ll see how I feel.”

This statement has fueled speculation that Djokovic may choose not to compete in the ATP Finals, a tournament that he has practically made his own, having won the title an unprecedented seven times, most recently in 2023 when he triumphed over Holger Rune in the final.

Djokovic’s remarks come on the back of his decision to skip representing Team Europe at the Laver Cup in Berlin this week, and after turning down an invitation to participate in a tournament in the Far East. However, he remains committed to playing in the Shanghai Masters 1000 event, which begins in October, though that might be his last competitive appearance on the ATP Tour this year.

Djokovic’s revelation adds to an already eventful year for the tennis star, who, despite failing to secure a Grand Slam title in 2024, managed to secure Olympic gold. The achievement was a career milestone for Djokovic, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest tennis players of all time. However, his priorities seem to be shifting away from tennis.

“Family life is very important to me,” Djokovic continued. “I want to be with my wife and children, to be part of their daily lives, which I haven’t been able to do for many years.”

This focus on family, along with lingering injuries, could explain why Djokovic is contemplating an early end to his season. At the French Open in May, he was forced to withdraw from the quarter-finals due to a torn medial meniscus in his right knee. Although he participated in the US Open, where he made a strong showing, Djokovic admitted that he was battling fitness issues throughout the tournament.

The idea of Djokovic missing the ATP Finals is a significant one. The event, considered the most prestigious tournament outside the four Grand Slam events, brings together the top eight singles players and top eight doubles teams each year. Djokovic has been synonymous with the tournament since his first win in 2008, and he later dominated the competition with four consecutive titles between 2012 and 2015. His most recent victories in 2022 and 2023 further cemented his place in the tournament’s history, moving him past his long-time rival Roger Federer’s record of six titles.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his participation in the ATP Finals, Djokovic’s decision to prioritize family life and focus on his health has drawn widespread support from fans and fellow players alike. Many have praised the Serbian star for recognizing the importance of balancing his personal and professional life, especially after more than two decades of being at the top of the sport.

Djokovic’s recent exhibition match in Sofia against Dimitrov also gave fans a glimpse of the more relaxed and playful side of the tennis star. The two players entertained a sold-out crowd, engaging in a shirtless dance-off at one point and serenading each other with songs. The match, while competitive, was a fundraiser for Dimitrov’s charity, which helps underprivileged children in Bulgaria develop their physical and emotional skills.

As Djokovic’s plans for the rest of 2024 remain uncertain, fans will be watching closely to see how he navigates the final months of the tennis season. His decision to potentially step back from the ATP Finals may mark the beginning of a new phase in his career—one where Djokovic prioritizes his health and family over relentless competition on the court.

Regardless of what the future holds, Djokovic’s place in tennis history is already firmly established. Whether or not he competes in Turin, his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is secure. Fans can only hope that, when the time is right, Djokovic will return to the court in full health, ready to add even more chapters to his extraordinary career.