As everyone knows, Novak Djokovic will miss the last Masters 1000 of the season in Paris-Bercy. The former world number 1 had anticipated this decision already in September during the Davis Cup, but many fans and insiders thought it was a bluff.

The 24-time Grand Slam champion will not defend his title from last year in Bercy, when he defeated Grigor Dimitrov in the final to win his sixth title in the French capital. The Serbian legend – who is currently qualified for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin – may also miss the last event of the ATP season to rest and prepare for 2025.

Nole has never hidden the fact that – at this point of his career – Grand Slam tournaments are his main focus along with events where he can represent her country. The 37-year-old from Belgrade played poorly in second tier events this year, picking up his best result at the Masters 1000 in Shanghai a short while ago.

Djokovic has for the moment failed to win the 100th title of his legendary career, having had to surrender to a great Jannik Sinner in the last act of the Chinese tournament. The feeling is that the gap with Sinner and Alcaraz has widened in recent months, even if Novak defeated the Spanish ace in the final of the Olympics in Paris, achieving a huge feat.

Nole’s message

2025 will be a decisive year for the future of Nole. The legend from Belgrade will not have many other chances to win the 25th Major title of his career and will turn 38 next year. On his social accounts, the former World No.1 explained his decision to skip the Paris-Bercy Masters 1000: “Unfortunately, I will not be playing in the Rolex Paris Masters this year and I apologize to all those who had hoped to see me play in that tournament. I wish a great week to all the players, sponsors, organizers and fans. I have many very good memories of my seven titles won in Paris and I hope to return next year.”

It’s a shame for the last Masters 1000 of the season, which will have to manage the absence of the defending champion and six times champion of the tournament. Tournament director Cedric Pioline can take comfort in the presence of two young champions like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.

As for Novak, everyone is wondering if he will participate in the Nitto ATP Finals if he qualifies in Turin. The 37-year-old from Belgrade lifted the trophy last year by beating local idol Sinner in the final. Despite completing the puzzle with his sensational triumph at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic has expressed a desire to continue playing for a long time in order to pursue other records.

The former world number 1 has promised to compete in the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, when he will be 41. The feeling is that Novak will stay on the professional tour until he is convinced he can win the most important titles. The Serbian ace has learned to manage his schedule differently at this stage of his career, so he can recharge his batteries often and spend more time with his family.

The support of his family

The family has always supported him to go on. In a long interview with ‘La Nacion’, Jelena Ristic – Novak’s wife – opened up on Djokovic’s legacy: “When we look at what is happening in the world, tennis is such a small prism of life, but it brings happiness to people. It brings joy. It brings hope.

And there is something like that that he wants to leave. I like to see him as a champion of the common people. Not of the rich people. Because he is a common man who comes from a very simple family, from a family of workers and dreamers. And travelling around the world you see a lot of people who are inspired by his story, because they are also similar to him. So, tennis is a very luxurious sport, a white sport, a sport of rich people.

But Novak’s fans are ordinary people, people with an ordinary job and they can’t always afford to have tickets to go see his matches. When you walk down the street and you see the workers who build buildings or whatever, they shout: ‘Hey, Novak! ’ Everyone stops him. I think that is what gives him the power and the energy to keep going. Even though he has already achieved everything, I think his greatest victory is being a champion of the people, yes. He is the people’s champion.”