Novak Djokovic's late-season scheduling raised eyebrows across the tennis world, especially after creating scheduling issues at the ATP Finals in Turin. The 24-time Major winner skipped the Paris Masters, entered a small ATP 250 event in Athens and then withdrew from the ATP Finals.
Djokovic claimed his 101st ATP title in Athens, calling it an emotional one after competing in front of his friends and family in his new home. However, the legend's decisions sparked doubts about his motivation.
For the Belgrade native, however, the picture is completely different! The 38-year-old has accomplished more than any other tennis player in history. At this stage of his career, he plays only where his mind and body feel aligned.
It's a privilege he has earned through a career in which he has checked every possible box the sport can provide. With 24 Majors, 40 Masters 1000 shields and seven year-end no. 1 trophies, Djokovic no longer measures value by category labels.
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Instead, he seeks personal meaning, and Athens delivered plenty of it in four encounters. The Serb has been living in Athens since September, and he felt the love of the crowd that came to support him, especially in the challenging moments.
Competing in Athens gave him rare comfort, with his family in the stands and a city that has quietly become a sanctuary. Winning that small title felt as rewarding as lifting a trophy on the notable stage, something Novak has done over 70 times!
Instead of chasing expectations, the veteran is now creating his schedule around enjoyment, longevity and emotional fulfillment, blending elements that motivate him to to extend his career.
Critics may wonder why a legend would skip bigger events to enter a small year-ending ATP 250 event. Others suggested that he tries to match Roger Federer's 103 ATP titles without facing the rivals from the top.
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However, the 24-time Major winner sees no hierarchy but opportunities to perform where he feels inspired. Djokovic is no longer driven by the need to prove anything, as there's nothing to prove anymore.
Desire to play where he wants and when he wants runs his engines, and we should savor every moment left in his historic career. As we saw, that freedom provided another deeply meaningful triumph in Athens.
Novak will kick off the 2026 season as world no. 4, hoping for another strong run in the year when he turns 39.
"People speculate whether I should try harder in the ATP 250 series tournament with my resume. I do not see it that way. I'm looking to play in a tournament where I have more motivation to perform at my best.
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For me, this triumph in Athens is on par with victories in the biggest tournaments. My goal is to optimize all the functions of my body and mind as much as possible, and to play as much and where I want.
I have never followed some trends and people who think I should play one way or another, and in how many tournaments. After everything I have achieved, I believe I deserve to do what I want," Novak Djokovic said.
