Novak Djokovic dismisses playing home tournament as part of his pick-and-choose strategy for longevity

Novak Djokovic says his decision to play or skip a tournament has become spontaneous as he is careful about which events to take part in.

Novak Djokovic dismisses playing home tournament as part of his pick-and-choose strategy for longevity

Novak Djokovic (via X)

Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic is 37 years old. While he might have a few more years of tennis left, he is unable to play in every tournament on the ATP Tour like he used to. Of late, the Serbian has been quite picky about which tournaments to skip or play. And like in the past few years, he has decided not to take part in his home tournament, the Belgrade Open, this season.

Djokovic made the announcement during a press conference at the Davis Cup Finals. Speaking after his 6-0, 6-1 win against Greece’s Ioannis Xilas, he explained that acknowledged the need for him to pick and choose tournaments so that he can prolong his tennis future.

I thought that I would never have to seek motivation anywhere, it all used to come naturally – automatically – but that has not been the case in the last few years. In order to prolong my career, I need to enjoy, I need to choose wisely tournaments I am going to play. I am not playing [Belgrade Open], that won’t change.
Novak Djokovic said (H/T: TennisMajors)

After competing at the Davis Cup, Djokovic will play in an exhibition event in Sofia. After that, he is scheduled to take part in the Shanghai Masters.

Novak Djokovic talks about changing dynamics for him

Novak Djokovic delved deep into the scheduling dilemma for him. He said that while he used to have his schedule ready six months in advance until a few years back, the decision to play or skip a tournament has become more spontaneous now.

Novak Djokovic (6)
Novak Djokovic (Image via Imago)
Usually in my career I used to have my schedule ready six months in advance, but nowadays that’s not the case, now it’s more spontaneous. Firstly, I need to physically, emotionally and mentally rest in order to even start thinking what I want to do next, in what way, how much and where.
Novak Djokovic said at the press conference

The Serbian also dismissed claims that he was working towards qualifying for the ATP Finals, stating that it is not his goal currently. The seven-time ATP Finals champion claimed he is not chasing the year-end championships or even the ATP rankings.

While Djokovic is not clear about which tournaments to play in and which to skip, he has his priorities set on representing his country and playing in Grand Slam tournaments. He says they remain the top priority for the 24-time Grand Slam winner.