By Richard Pagliaro Wednesday, October 22, 2025
Photo credit: Jade Gau/AFP/Getty
Novak Djokovic The plug was pulled in the City of Light.
Grand Slam king Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s Rolex Paris Masters, the final Masters 1000 event before the ATP Finals.
The 38-year-old Serbian superstar announced his withdrawal on social media, expressing his hope to participate in the 2026 Paris Games.
Dear Paris, unfortunately I will not be participating in this year’s competition @rolexpmasters. I have great memories and great success over the years, especially being able to win the championship seven times. Hope to see you next year. Thank you🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/y4iEmMYUAn
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 21, 2025
Dear Paris, unfortunately I will not be participating in this year’s @RolexPMasters,” Djokovic wrote. “I have had amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to win the title seven times.
“Hope to see you again next year.”
Speaking at the Joy Forum in Saudi Arabia last week, Djokovic said he planned to compete in 2026, citing veteran athletes from other sports such as Tom Brady and LeBron James as sources of inspiration as he aims to continue his career into his 40s.
“Longevity is one of my biggest motivations,” Djokovic told the Joy Forum. “I really want to see how far I can go. If you look at all sports globally, LeBron James is still going strong, he’s 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo, Tom Brady are playing into their 40s, it’s unbelievable.
“They inspire me as well, so I want to keep going, that’s one of my motivations, and then I also want to live to see, and being alive means continuing to play professionally, what’s coming to our sport, I’m very excited about that.”
