Novak Djokovic Explains Why Playing at Swiss Indoors Will Be ‘Easier’ Than Other Events

Novak Djokovic is in Basel for the Swiss Indoors. The Serb, who is 11th in the Race to Turin, is aiming to play the ATP Finals, which runs from November 15 to November 22.

Djokovic, a seven-time champion in the year-end championships, skipped the tournament the previous two seasons. He last won here in 2023 by defeating Jannik Sinner, the now two-time reigning champion, who will skip the event this season due to a knee injury.

Simply, such a decision was made the previous two years, I wanted to finish the season earlier in 2024, which I did, in mid-October. I had a shoulder injury last year. When I finished the tournament in Athens, a day or two before the start of the tournament in Turin, the results showed that I had torn certain muscles in my shoulder, so I decided to skip it. If I had been healthy, I probably would have gone, but I was heavily medicated for that Athens to play to the end. This year I would like to go to Turin. I have a chance, we’ll see.

Novak Djokovic said (via Sportico)

Djokovic won the first edition of the Hellenic Championship in Athens last year, also winning his second title of the season following the Geneva Open. The Serb, who has been dealing with a lingering health problem that worsens in hot, humid climates, revealed why he signed up for the ATP 500 event in Basel.

Another motivation for adding a tournament this indoor season is because I think it will be easier for me physically indoors because there is no heat, no sun, no external factors that I face when I play outside. It will mean a lot to me, and we hope for the best.

Novak Djokovic added

Djokovic has won the Swiss Indoors just once. Back in 2009, he defeated home favorite Roger Federer, and lost to the 20-time Grand Slam champion in the final the following season.

Djokovic will kick off his campaign against Ugo Humbert. He holds a 1-0 head-to-head record over the Frenchman, defeating him in the fourth round of Wimbledon in 2019.

Novak Djokovic opens up about his goal

Novak Djokovic has played two finals this season. After losing the Australian Open to Carlos Alcaraz, the 24-time Grand Slam champion ended his title drought by winning the China Open for the seventh time in his career.

Four times this season Djokovic has suffered an opening-round exit, in Rome, Cincinnati, at the US Open, and in Shanghai. Ahead of his Basel opener, Djokovic said he still has it in him to play at the highest level.

For me, to be honest, the primary goal really in the last 12 months was to feel better on the court because I struggled a lot this year with that. It’s been improving. I’m feeling much better overall, and if I feel better, I know I play better. I have proven to myself and others that I can still compete at the highest level.

Novak Djokovic said (H/T: ATPTour.com)

Djokovic is the fourth seed in Basel. Joao Fonseca was the reigning champion, but he has ended his season due to an abdominal injury.

Ben Shelton is the top seed, while Arthur Fils and Rafael Jodar are the second and third seeds, respectively. Shelton is chasing his fifth title of the season after wins in Dallas, Stuttgart, Munich, and Montreal. He also reached the US Open final, only to lose to Alexander Zverev. The American ace also competed in Shanghai before entering Basel. He suffered a third-round defeat.

Also read: Is Elena Rybakina Taking a Risk by Deciding to Play the Pan Pacific Open Before the WTA Finals?