Andy Roddick has shared his perspective on Novak Djokovic’s recent decision to withdraw from the Paris Masters, suggesting that the Serbian star “doesn’t care about rankings anymore.” Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, finds Djokovic’s choice to skip Paris quite logical, especially considering the tennis icon’s remarks regarding his approach to scheduling.
Djokovic has opted out of the 2024 Paris Masters, which is set to take place from October 28 to November 3. This withdrawal means the 37-year-old will forfeit the 1,000 ranking points he earned for winning the event last year. In a statement on Instagram, Djokovic expressed his regret: “Unfortunately, I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year. I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles, and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there.”
In a previous interview last month, Djokovic made it clear that he is “done” with tournaments outside of Grand Slams and team events where he represents Serbia. “Torino is not my goal at all. Honestly, I am not chasing the ATP Finals or the rankings,” he stated during a Davis Cup tie against Greece. “For me, those tournaments are behind me. I can’t say right now whether I’ll play other tournaments this year or in the future. My main priorities are playing for my national team and the Slams; everything else is less significant.”
His recent comments, coupled with the Paris withdrawal, suggest he may also skip the ATP Finals in Turin, potentially wrapping up his 2024 season earlier than expected. Djokovic’s only appearance since the US Open was at the Shanghai Masters earlier this month.
On his podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, Roddick highlighted how Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Finals could pave the way for Tommy Paul’s qualification. “If Novak is saying he’s not playing in Turin, that’s significant,” Roddick noted. “Now, I’m not a math whiz, but if someone ahead of you isn’t competing, that means you move up. He’s currently sitting 10th in the Race to Turin, and if Djokovic isn’t playing, that could bump Tommy up to ninth.”
Roddick emphasized that Djokovic’s current mindset appears to be one of selectivity regarding his schedule. “We don’t want to detract from Tommy Paul’s achievements, but Novak is now in a phase where he’s choosing his battles. He’s focused on getting enough matches in before the majors but doesn’t seem to care about rankings anymore.”
He further reflected on Djokovic’s legacy, stating, “He knows what he’s accomplished; he’s held the No. 1 ranking longer than anyone else. This next chapter of his career will be about picking and choosing his tournaments—skipping Paris and likely Turin.”