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Novak Djokovic has finally opened up about his absence from competitive tennis since Wimbledon 2025, revealing why he chose not to play any tournaments in the build-up to the US Open. The 38-year-old, who remains one of the most decorated players in tennis history, last featured in the Wimbledon semifinals where he was defeated by Italy’s Jannik Sinner in straight sets.
While fans speculated about the Serbian legend’s extended break, Djokovic clarified his reasoning ahead of his much-anticipated return at Flushing Meadows.
A calculated decision to step away
Djokovic opted against playing in the North American hard court swing, skipping both the Canadian Open and the Cincinnati Masters—two events that typically serve as key preparation ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season.
Addressing the media in New York, the 24-time Grand Slam champion admitted the break was intentional and deeply personal.
“Obviously I didn’t have any matches since Wimbledon. So it is the right term in a sense, but I have put in a lot of training in last three, four weeks,” Novak Djokovic said.
He went on to add: “I decided not to play because I wanted to spend more time with my family. And to be honest, you know, I think I earned my right and have the luxury of kind of choosing, picking and choosing where I want to go and what I want to play.”
Balancing tennis and family life
At this stage of his illustrious career, Djokovic is embracing a more selective schedule. Having dominated the sport for over a decade, he believes he has earned the privilege of prioritizing personal commitments while still maintaining peak fitness for major events.
The father-of-two acknowledged that while the decision might have surprised fans, the time away has allowed him to focus on family life and recover mentally for another grueling run at the US Open.
Novak Djokovic’s eyes set on US Open glory
Despite his absence from the warm-up tournaments, Djokovic remains determined to make an impact in New York. A four-time champion at Flushing Meadows, he is chasing a record-equalling fifth US Open crown to join Roger Federer and Pete Sampras in the history books.
This will also mark his 19th US Open appearance—a testament to his longevity and resilience on the professional circuit. While his preparation has been unconventional this season, Djokovic insists that the intense training block has kept him ready for the challenge ahead.
Novak Djokovic’s decision to skip the summer hard court events was not due to injury or lack of form but rather a conscious choice to balance his family life with professional commitments. With his eyes firmly set on US Open success, fans can expect to see the Serbian legend return refreshed, motivated, and eager to reclaim his dominance on the grand stage.
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