Sports

Novak Djokovic Withdraws from Paris Masters, Hinting at Season’s End

Novak Djokovic announced on Wednesday that he is withdrawing from the Paris Masters, where he has been crowned champion seven times. This decision could mark the conclusion of a challenging season for the 37-year-old tennis star.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year,” Djokovic shared on Instagram. “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.”

Djokovic, the defending champion in Paris, holds an impressive record with 40 Masters titles and 24 Grand Slam victories. This year, however, has been tumultuous for him. He claimed just one title, an emotional Olympic gold in Paris this past August, bringing his career total to 99 trophies.

The 2024 season has seen the rise of younger players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, who have dethroned Djokovic from his Grand Slam dominance. Sinner, from Italy, clinched both the Australian and US Open titles and also surpassed Djokovic as world number one. Meanwhile, Alcaraz defeated him in the Wimbledon final and took the French Open title, though Djokovic secured a victory over the Spaniard in the Olympic final.

First Slam-Less Season Since 2017

For the first time since 2017, Djokovic will end a season without a Grand Slam title. Despite the setbacks, he remains in contention for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin next month. Djokovic currently ranks sixth in the race for the eight-player field, though he risks being overtaken by other contenders.

The Paris Masters, where Djokovic is notably absent, is scheduled from October 28 to November 3.

Reflecting on Rivals and Retirement

Djokovic’s announcement comes shortly after his long-time rival Rafael Nadal revealed his intention to retire after the Davis Cup Finals in December. Despite enduring what he described as “one of the worst-performing seasons in terms of results,” Djokovic has no plans to follow Nadal into retirement.

“I don’t know what the future brings, I’ll just try to kind of go with the flow to see how I feel in a given moment, but I still plan to compete and play next season,” Djokovic said following his recent loss to Sinner in the Shanghai Masters final, marking his third defeat in their last four encounters.

Not Chasing 100 Titles

While Djokovic is just one title away from joining the ranks of Jimmy Connors and Roger Federer as the only men to win 100 titles, he insists it’s not a pressing goal.

“It’s not a live-or-die type of goal for me,” he explained. “I think I’ve achieved all of my biggest goals in my career. Right now, it’s really about Slams and about still seeing how far I can kind of push the bar for myself.”

As Djokovic navigates the end of this season, his focus remains on what lies ahead, with hopes of competing at his best in 2024.

Read More : SAFF Women’s Championship: India Fall 1-3 To Bangladesh, Settle For Group A Runners-Up

anirudh

Recent Posts

Jaishankar To Visit US From December 24-29, First Since Trump’s Election

External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar will embark on a six-day visit to the United States…

2 mins ago

Replay 2024 : Cricket’s 5 Defining Moments In 2024

2024 was a year packed with thrilling cricket action, but it also featured its fair…

12 mins ago

2024 Year-Ender: Six Major Global Conflicts Of 2024

2024 has seen significant global conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war, instability in the Sahel, and…

17 mins ago

₹20 Crore For Justice: Is It Fair? Komatireddy Demands Compensation From Allu Arjun After Pushpa 2 Stampede

Komatireddy Venkat Reddy has demanded ₹20 crore from Allu Arjun for the family of the…

20 mins ago

UK Backs Khalistani Groups, Assures Protection Against Alleged Harassment By India: REPORT

UK Minister Dan Jarvis responds to allegations that Sikhs in the UK are being targeted…

35 mins ago

Maha Kumbh 2025: CM Yogi Reviews Preparations In Prayagraj, 50,000 Security Personnels Deployed

More than 50,000 security personnel, as well as drones and advanced surveillance systems, will be…

35 mins ago