Novak Djokovic confirmed that he hopes to play again in 2025 after retiring injured during his third-place match at the Six Kings Slam.
On Saturday in Riyadh, Djokovic found himself in a first-set slugfest against Taylor Fritz. And after Fritz won the first set via a tie-break 7-6 (4), the record 24-time Grand Slam champion walked up to the American tennis star and shook his hands. Before the 38-year-old retired, he played a one-hour and 16-minute opening set.
The moment Djokovic decided to retire.
Big doubts about what’s coming next for him in 2025. Is he playing Paris? Turin? Athens? Nothing? pic.twitter.com/lMOUQA8rVH
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 18, 2025
Prior to the Six Kings Slam, Djokovic competed at the Shanghai Masters, where he battled an illness but also had issues with his leg, back and hip.
"Not great. I want to apologize to everybody. Sorry guys. Sorry you couldn’t see the second set… Well, now it’s rest and really addressing some of the issues I have with my body. And then hopefully playing the last couple of tournaments of the season, let’s see," the former world No. 1 said after retiring versus Fritz.
Which tournaments could Djokovic possibly play?
Following his Shanghai semifinal loss to Valentin Vacherot, the 38-year-old pretty much ruled out competing at the Paris Masters. Instead, the Serbian tennis star giant named Athens as the only tournament where he certainly plans to play, while his participation at the ATP Finals is also in doubt.
“So after Shanghai, the only tournament I know I’m going to play is the one in Athens, and then let’s see if I play Turin or not, I’m not sure yet," he said a week ago.
The inaugural edition of the ATP 250 tournament in Athens is taking place between November 02-08.
It remains to be seen if the Serbian former world No. 1 will recover in two weeks time and be ready to play in Athens.
