Overview
- Novak Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals citing a lingering shoulder issue, closing a season in which he won his 101st title in Athens and secured a year-end top-4 ranking.
- Djokovic said Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz are currently playing at a higher level than his best, though he maintains he can beat anyone when he steps on court.
- He reached the semi-finals at all four Grand Slams in 2025, retiring in the Australian Open semi and later falling to Sinner at Roland Garros and Wimbledon and to Alcaraz at the US Open.
- Andy Roddick questioned Djokovic’s hope of playing through the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, while Justine Henin and Jimmy Connors urged careful scheduling given age and rising rivals.
- After clinching the year-end No. 1, Alcaraz said winning the Australian Open is his priority for 2026 and reiterated a long-term ambition to surpass Djokovic’s Grand Slam total.