On November 2024, Novak Djokovic made the unexpected and emotional decision to resign from the ATP Finals, an event that has been a staple of his illustrious career. This marked the formal end of his historic 18-season run at the pinnacle of men’s tennis, a run that has seen the Serbian dominate the sport for nearly two decades. Djokovic’s withdrawal from the prestigious season-ending tournament is not just a mere exit from a single event—it is the closing chapter of an era that has shaped the game of tennis as we know it. With it, we reflect on the achievements that defined one of the most remarkable careers in the history of professional sports.
The ATP Finals, which gathers the top eight male players of the season, is a prestigious tournament that crowns the year-end champion. Held annually in November, it serves as a climax to the tennis calendar. Djokovic, 37, has been an integral presence at the event since his first appearance in 2007. Over the years, he has become synonymous with the tournament, winning the title five times (2008, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2022), cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
However, Djokovic’s resignation from the 2024 edition, which he had initially entered as one of the favorites, came as a surprise to many. After an intense and competitive season that saw him win his 24th Grand Slam title, Djokovic had hoped to cap off the year with a strong performance at the ATP Finals. Yet, due to ongoing physical concerns and the mental and emotional toll that such a long and grueling season demands, Djokovic announced that he would be stepping down from the competition in a statement that shocked the tennis world.
Novak Djokovic’s decision to leave the ATP Finals at the tail end of a glittering career cannot be viewed in isolation—it is the culmination of a journey that began in 2003 when a young, determined Djokovic made his mark on the ATP Tour. Over the course of his career, Djokovic’s rivalry with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal transformed men’s tennis into a trilogy of epic proportions, often referred to as the “Big Three.”
While Federer and Nadal were widely regarded as the players to beat when Djokovic emerged on the scene, it didn’t take long for him to show that he was not just a contender, but a dominant force in the sport. By 2008, he had secured his first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, signaling the beginning of what would become one of the most successful careers in tennis history.
Djokovic’s rise to the top of the sport was marked by a relentless work ethic, an ability to adapt, and a drive to improve year after year. His playing style, characterized by a superb baseline game, exceptional return of serve, and remarkable fitness, set him apart from his peers. While Federer’s grace and Nadal’s power were revered, it was Djokovic’s mental fortitude and physical resilience that elevated him to the top.
His achievements over the years speak for themselves:
- 24 Grand Slam Titles: Djokovic holds the record for the most Grand Slam singles titles in men’s tennis, a title he claimed with his victory at the 2023 US Open, surpassing both Federer and Nadal. His consistency at the sport’s highest level across the four Grand Slam events—Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open—set him apart as the most versatile and enduring champion.
- 361 Weeks as World No. 1: In an era of unprecedented competition, Djokovic’s ability to hold the world No. 1 ranking for a record 361 weeks (as of 2024) is a testament to his dominance. His reign at the top spanned multiple generations of tennis players and is unparalleled in the Open Era.
- Mastering the Big Three Rivalry: The rivalry between Djokovic, Federer, and Nadal became one of the defining narratives of the 21st century in sports. Djokovic’s ability to challenge and often surpass both of his peers on the biggest stages reshaped tennis’ landscape, and his mental strength in these high-stakes battles earned him the moniker of the “most complete player” in tennis.
- The Golden Slam: In 2021, Djokovic achieved the unprecedented feat of holding all four major titles and the Olympic gold medal in the same year, an accomplishment that had never been completed by any man in tennis history.
While Djokovic’s career has been decorated with numerous accolades, his longevity is perhaps his most impressive attribute. In a sport where physical decline often comes abruptly, Djokovic’s ability to evolve his game, adapt to new challenges, and keep improving well into his late 30s is nothing short of extraordinary.
In 2024, Djokovic’s season was a fitting continuation of his remarkable career. After a stunning victory at the Australian Open, where he won his 24th Grand Slam title, he solidified his place as one of the greatest players in tennis history. His performance in the Masters 1000 events and his persistence in the ATP Rankings further demonstrated that Djokovic was not only a man of history but still a man of the present.
However, as the year progressed, it became increasingly clear that Djokovic’s body was beginning to show signs of wear and tear. Despite his seemingly ageless performances on the court, he faced ongoing challenges with injuries, particularly to his knee and shoulder. While he had managed to push through these issues in the past, the grueling demands of an 18th season on the tour began to take their toll.
After a string of physical setbacks leading into the ATP Finals, Djokovic made the difficult decision to withdraw from the event. While his fans were understandably disappointed, many acknowledged the wisdom in his decision. Djokovic had already achieved so much in his career, and the priority for him in 2024 was to safeguard his long-term health. His resignation from the ATP Finals was not just a withdrawal from a tournament—it was a recognition of the end of an era.
For fans around the world, the news of Djokovic’s resignation was bittersweet. For 18 years, his presence at the ATP Finals had been an annual tradition, one that tennis lovers had come to cherish. The sight of Djokovic battling for the title at the season’s final event had become symbolic of his unmatched resilience and tenacity.
But Djokovic’s retirement from the ATP Finals also opened up space for reflection on his legacy. He had, after all, been the embodiment of tennis excellence for nearly two decades. His contributions to the sport were not just statistical—though his records are unmatched—but also cultural. He helped popularize tennis in regions that were previously underrepresented, such as Eastern Europe, and was a driving force behind the globalization of the game. Moreover, his philanthropic efforts and advocacy for player rights in the ATP made him a prominent figure both on and off the court.
The 2024 ATP Finals will undoubtedly be the last time Novak Djokovic will appear at the event, marking a poignant end to his 18-year run at the season-ending championships. As the tennis world shifts into a new era, with players like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and others rising to prominence, the sport will forever be shaped by Djokovic’s remarkable journey. His absence from future Finals will create a void that will be difficult to fill, but the legacy he leaves behind will inspire generations of players and fans alike.
Novak Djokovic’s resignation from the 2024 ATP Finals signifies the end of a remarkable era in tennis history. His 18-season run at the top of the sport is a testament to his greatness, resilience, and ability to overcome the physical and mental demands of professional tennis. As he moves on from the tour, Djokovic leaves behind a legacy that transcends his individual records. His influence on the game, his rivalries, and his contributions to the sport’s development will ensure that his name is remembered long after his final match.
Tennis, like many sports, is about cycles—rising stars, new rivalries, and fresh talents—but Novak Djokovic’s legacy will continue to resonate for generations. His extraordinary career has reshaped what it means to be a champion, and as the sport moves forward, it will do so with Djokovic’s indelible imprint on its history.