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NOVAK DJOKOVIC PREPARES FAREWELL, ADMITS UNEXPECTED EARLY DEPARTURE COULD OCCUR

Novak Djokovic casts doubt on his goal to play until the 2028 Olympics. After withdrawing from the ATP Finals due to injury, the 24-time Grand Slam champion admits his long-term plan is uncertain.

Novak Djokovic prepares farewell, admits unexpected early departure could occur
Novak Djokovic’s farewell plan complicated - Photo Credit: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

Although Novak Djokovic has made no secret of his intended retirement date, he has acknowledged that he might not live up to his goal of competing in the Olympics one last time and playing well past the age of forty.

After winning the gold medal for Serbia at the Olympics in Paris last year, Djokovic fulfilled one of his last major dreams. However, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is finding it difficult to find the drive to compete in several important events this year.

After delaying his decision until the night before the ATP Tour season's main event began in Turin, he withdrew from this week's ATP Finals, claiming an ailment.

Since the final sentence of his announcement confirming his absence omitted the well-known wish to compete at the ATP Finals the following year, it raised further concerns about whether he would continue to play in 2026.

"After today's final in Athens, I am sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury," he wrote on his Instagram story, adding that he was eager to compete in Turin and give it my all.

"I really apologise to all of the fans who were hoping to watch me perform; your encouragement is greatly appreciated.

"I hope everyone has an incredible tournament, and I can not wait to play with you all again soon."

Although Djokovic's late withdrawal from the ATP Finals after being in the initial draw has drawn criticism, it does not seem like his retirement from tennis will happen as soon as many had anticipated.

He reiterated his goal to finish his career at the 2028 Olympics in remarks made after defeating Lorenzo Musetti to win the ATP 250 event in Athens. However, it is evident that he now has serious doubts about that goal after a few years in which his body has repeatedly let him down as he fights against the ageing process following a demanding career.

Throughout his life and career, he told reporters, "I have always had this, I have had a timetable in my head for a year or more, what I want, how I want it."

Since I had accomplished every goal imaginable, I mentioned the 2028 Olympics because I intended to continue playing for a very long time. Therefore, it would be good to represent Serbia at the Olympic Games.

He added this ambiguous statement after considering the viability of that goal: "I do not know, I mean, I genuinely do not know, since there are some elements that are not fully in my control." I am working to maintain the best possible physical and mental wellness.

It seems unlikely that Djokovic will play for another three seasons to qualify for the Olympics after a year marred by injuries, unless he plays an even more constrained tournament schedule in an attempt to try and reach his final game in the summer of 2028.

WTA FINALS SHOCK AS ARYNA SABALENKA BEATEN BEFORE GENDER SHOWDOWN

An emotional Aryna Sabalenka fought back tears after losing the WTA Finals to Elena Rybakina. The world No.1 was defeated 6-3, 7-6(0) in the Riyadh final, as Rybakina claimed the title and a record £3.9 million prize.

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Elena Rybakina continued her resurgence by winning the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia - Photo Credit: Getty Images

When Aryna Sabalenka lost to Elena Rybakina in the WTA Finals, she fought back tears during her on-court remarks. The 2022 Wimbledon winner defeated the world No. 1 in straight sets as Rybakina won 6-3, 7-6 (0) in Riyadh to record her 11th consecutive victory. The sixth-seeded player from Kazakhstan wins the year-end tournament and receives a record £3.9 million in prize money.

Even with the US Open and three additional events—the Brisbane International, Miami Open, and Madrid Open—Sabalenka has had an incredible 2025, taking home more titles than any other player on the WTA Tour. Additionally, she advanced to the French Open, Stuttgart Open, Indian Wells, and Australian Open finals. Nevertheless, Rybakina's victory brought the Belarusian to tears.

"Thank you, everybody, for an amazing atmosphere over the entire week," she said at the King Saud University Indoor Arena. Playing in front of you is something I truly appreciate. Many thanks for the sport. Perhaps not the best performance, especially today. However, Elena, you played better today without a doubt. You actually smashed me out of the course, so... Excellent work.

"I am glad to see you giving it your all on the court and making a strong return at the end of the season. Let us enjoy our off-season now. Savour this exquisite award! We appreciate everyone who helped bring this tournament to our location. Being a part of the development of tennis in this stunning nation makes me pleased. Many thanks.

I appreciate everyone's help this week. I really enjoy my team. This is important for me. We may not have gotten the result we all hoped for today, but there are so many things we… Then Sabalenka became emotional and had to compose herself.

"I guess I am getting old," she said with a smile and a laugh. "I am becoming so sensitive now! There is a lot to be proud of. Thank you all."

Rybakina, a three-time WTA Finals champion and first-time winner, responded, "Thank you very much. This week has been amazing. Honestly, I did not expect any particular outcome, and it is wonderful how far we have come. I want to congratulate Aryna on her second consecutive year at the top. That is a fantastic achievement. Well done to you and your team.

"The match today was really tough. There were times when I got lucky. This is tennis, and I really hope we play together in many more major tournament finals. I want to thank the fans and the crowd.

"I am having fun playing here. The atmosphere was fantastic. It is truly amazing to be here for the second year in a row. The Saudi Tennis Federation, the Minister of Sport, and everyone who helped make this tournament possible deserve a big thank you."

"I think we will have a terrific time here, and this competition is fantastic. Finally, I want to thank my staff. Even though not everyone is present, they are always there to support and assist. Thank you to my family, sponsors, and everyone else who is by my side and supporting me."

NOVAK DJOKOVIC’S RESILIENCE PAYS OFF, CAPTURES ATHENS 101ST MILESTONE TROPHY

Novak Djokovic secured a gruelling 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 win over Musetti at the Hellenic Championship, earning his 71st ATP hardcourt title—a new men's Tour record. The victory extinguished Musetti's ATP Finals qualification hopes after an epic 3-hour battle.

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Djokovic sets up Athens showdown with Musetti - Credit: Anadolu via Getty Images

In Greece, Novak Djokovic defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the opening set to win the Hellenic Championship and deny his opponent a certain berth in the ATP Finals.    

The former world No. 1 had to wait more than 80 minutes to obtain his first break point opportunity as the top seed fought his way to a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Musetti. In the first set, Djokovic's opponent only lost seven games behind his first serve, putting him to the test on many occasions. He did, however, find a way to rally and frustrate Musetti, breaking him once in the second set and then three times in a wild final in which he lost three of the following four games to win the title after failing to serve the match out while leading 5-3.                            

Djokovic sets a new men's Tour record with his 71st ATP hardcourt trophy after winning the marathon. Roger Federer and he had previously been tied on 70. He has won 101 Tour titles overall, on all surfaces.

"It was just a tiring match for three hours," Djokovic remarked afterwards.
physically quite taxing. Lorenzo performed admirably. Anyone may have won that match. Congratulations to him for a fantastic performance. Simply put, I am really proud of myself for overcoming this obstacle.

The victory is a setback for Musetti, 23, who entered the competition knowing that he needed to win the championship to pass Felix Auger-Aliassime in the battle for Turin and earn a spot in the ATP Finals. The world No. 9 last won a title in Naples, Italy, three years ago, and has now lost six straight finals. In addition, he has only won once this season, against Alexander Zverev in Rome, and is now 5-25 versus the Tour's top five players.

Djokovic has not yet stated if he will participate in the ATP Finals, which start tomorrow. The only player with seven tournament victories is him.

He addressed the fans in Athens, saying, "I want to thank everyone for coming out today and all week and supporting me and all the players."
"The tournament has been incredible."

Since Ken Rosewall at the Hong Kong Open in 1977, Djokovic is the oldest guy to win a Tour-level championship.

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