Novak Djokovic announces decision to skip another key ATP event

Novak Djokovic announces decision to skip another key ATP event originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Novak Djokovic will be absent from another one of the key events on the ATP Tour this year.

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The Serbian tennis icon will not be competing at the upcoming Paris Masters 1000 event, which is scheduled to begin next Monday (October 27).

The tournament, which Djokovic is missing for a second straight year, is the ninth and final ATP Masters event of the 2025 season.

The seven-time winner of the event announced his decision on social media, writing: "Dear Paris, unfortunately I'll not compete at this year's @RolexPMasters."

"I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title seven times. Hope to see you next year. Merci."

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The latest announcement means Djokovic will have missed four Masters events this season, after skipping events in Rome, Toronto and Cincinnati.

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The 38-year-old was recently in action at the Six Kings Slam exhibition event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he retired after losing the first set in his third-place match against Taylor Fritz.

Djokovic prioritising certain events from now on

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Djokovic's decision to skip the Paris Masters is no huge surprise considering his new approach to the tennis schedule sees him enter fewer tournaments in the year.

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Being at the latter stage of his career, injuries and fitness issues are more prominent for the 24-time major winner, meaning he has to prioritise which events mean the most to him.

The Serbian remains attracted to featuring in Grand Slams, exhibitions and certain events which he has a close connection with.

He recently participated at the Shanghai Masters, where he has built a strong relationship with the fans over the years, having won the singles event a record four times.

The world No. 5 will next be in action at the inaugural Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece.

The 250 event has replaced the Belgrade Open on the ATP calendar, and is of interest to Djokovic as he recently relocated with his family to the Greek capital. Also, his brother, Djordje, serves as the event's director.

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It remains unclear if Djokovic will end the year competing at the ATP Finals in Turin, which takes place from November 9 - November 16.

He secured qualification for the event last week, but a run to the latter stages in Athens could mean he is not prepared enough for Turin, as the Hellenic Championship final is on November 8.

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