'I was Roger Federer's coach - I know why Novak Djokovic really isn't playing'

Roger Federer's former coach Ivan Ljubicic has revealed why is not playing at this week's Paris Masters. The Serbian legend potentially ended his 2024 season by withdrawing from the tournament, which Ljubicic claims is because he is "physically or mentally ready anymore".

Djokovic last Wednesday ahead of the final Masters 1000 tournament of the year in Paris, which began on October 26 and concludes on November 3. The 24-time Grand Slam winner wrote on Instagram: "Unfortunately I won't be playing the Paris Masters this year. I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there."

It is unclear whether Djokovic will play in the ATP Finals in Turin, should he qualify. He currently sits sixth in the Race to Turin rankings, with only the top eight in the yearly rankings making it.

The 37-year-old won the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals last year to cap off an outstanding 2023 season that featured three Grand Slam titles. But Djokovic's long-time friend and former world no.3 Ljubicic believes the ageing Serbian is no longer concerned with his ATP ranking, and only has the mental and physical capacity to compete consistently for Grand Slams.

Ljubicic said: "I don't know how much longer Novak will play, and I don't think he knows it either. In my opinion, he is not interested in smaller tournaments or a place on the ATP list.

"I don't think he is physically or mentally ready for that anymore. However, he showed everyone in Shanghai that when he wants to, he can still be among the best."

The Croatian added: "I don't think he's even thinking about the final Masters in Turin. His focus is to prepare as best as possible for 2025 and the Australian Open."

Djokovic himself once said that Ljubicic "knows my game" and stated it was "weird" to see his friend team up with his rival Federer as a coach. Djokovic has only one more exhibition with Juan Martin del Potro left in his calendar - which is to be the Argentine's farewell match scheduled for December 1 in Buenos Aires.

His Paris Masters absence did not come as a great surprise given the Serbian already achieved his dream of winning Olympic gold for the first time in Paris in the summer, and has often stated his priority in the future is winning grand slams. Djokovic was denied his 100th title in Shanghai, China, earlier this month after losing to World No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the final.