Novak Djokovic Retirement Speculation: Roger Federer's ex-coach makes bold claim about Serb no longer being "ready" for ranking battles

Roger Federer's ex-coach Ivan Ljubicic believes Novak Djokovic is no longer "interested" nor "physically or mentally ready" to play smaller tournaments or go in search of rankings points.

Djokovic has endured a topsy-turvy season this year playing lesser tournaments and undergoing surgery on his knee. His biggest achievement was the elusive Olympics gold medal but his pursuit of a 25th Grand Slam title continues.

Recently, Djokovic withdrew from the Paris Masters and there are doubts about his participation in the ATP Finals in Turin, in case he qualifies. However, Ljubicic feels the Serb is no longer interested in these events.

“I don't know how much longer Novak will play, and I don't think he knows it either. In my opinion, he is not interested in smaller tournaments or a place on the ATP list. I don't think he is physically or mentally ready for that anymore."

The 45-year-old picked out Djokovic's impressive run to the Shanghai Masters final as proof that he can still play among the best players on tour.

Ljubicic added,

"I don't think he's even thinking about the final Masters in Turin. His focus is to prepare as best as possible for 2025 and the Australian Open."

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Tennis insider opens up on "general feeling" surrounding Novak Djokovic's ATP Finals participation

Novak Djokovic at the Six Kings Slam 2024 (Image: Getty)

A Eurosport journalist, Guido Monaco, shared that the "general feeling" surrounding Novak Djokovic's ATP Finals participation is that the Serb will withdraw from the event if he qualifies. Speaking during a "Tennismania" episode earlier this week, Monaco said,

"The general feeling is that Djokovic will not participate, even though skipping the Finals is unusual. Many would do whatever it takes to qualify. For him, it makes sense not to go" (translated from Italian).

He added,

"From a sponsorship perspective, I am puzzled; it's a showcase, and many bonuses are tied to participation. As of today, we would be surprised to see him in Turin."

At the conclusion of the final Masters of the year in Paris, Djokovic with 3910 points continues to occupy the sixth spot in the Race to Turin. Three players apart from the Serb are still in pursuit of the remaining three spots up for grabs.

Casper Ruud, with 3855, and Andrey Rublev, with 3720, will play at the ATP 250 event in Metz, looking to boost their rankings in the Race. Alex de Minaur, with 3745, will try and do the same in Belgrade.

As of now, Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz, have all qualified for the year-end Finals.