Novak Djokovic, the 38-year-old tennis legend, has once again opted out of representing Team Europe at this weekend’s Laver Cup. Despite persistent encouragement from Swiss icon Roger Federer, who played a pivotal role in founding the tournament, Djokovic has decided to skip the event, prioritising family time over competition.
Djokovic’s Laver Cup History
Djokovic has been no stranger to the Laver Cup stage. He played a key role in Europe’s triumph over Team World in 2018 and returned to the event in 2022. However, this year marks the third consecutive edition he has chosen to bypass. Federer, ever keen to see Djokovic on the team, had previously expressed his hope to reunite the stars on the European squad.
"I would like to see Novak again, to be honest," Federer said after the 2023 Laver Cup. "I would love to see actually [Carlos] Alcaraz and Novak on the same team. Love to see that happen."
Despite Roger Federer’s plea, Novak Djokovic has remained firm in his decision, demonstrating that even tennis’ most decorated player is selective about his competitive appearances in the twilight of his career.
Prioritising family and personal time
Djokovic’s decision stems from his commitment to scaling down his workload and spending quality time with his family. Last year, he spoke candidly about his priorities:
"For the first time in my career, I have no long-term plans. I'm living in the moment," Novak Djokovic said in September 2024. "We'll see what happens in the future. Today I will play in Sofia against Grigor [Dimitrov], then I will go to China, and afterward, I have an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia. After that? I don't know, honestly. I want to be with my wife and kids, be part of their daily life, something I haven't been able to do for many years."
His dedication to family life reflects a shift in focus from constant travel and high-stakes competition to cherishing moments off the court.
Looking Ahead: ATP Athens and ATP Finals
Although Djokovic will skip the Laver Cup, he has confirmed participation in the Athens ATP 250 tournament starting November 2. This event, relocated from his hometown of Belgrade, marks a key stop in his late-2025 schedule. Following Athens, Novak Djokovic is likely to feature at the ATP Finals in Turin, currently sitting third in the qualification standings.
Europe, meanwhile, remains in strong hands without Novak Djokovic. Players such as Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev have led the squad to recent success, proving that the team’s dominance does not hinge on any single superstar.