Novak Djokovic will not be featuring at this year’s Qatar Open due to ‘strong fatigue’, a tournament spokesperson said on Wednesday.
After losing the Australian Open final to Carlos Alcaraz, the Serbian star has delayed his return to competitive play – a decision which should be praised by tennis fans.
Can Carlos Alcaraz win MORE Grand Slams than Novak Djokovic? 🤔
At this stage in Djokovic’s career, searching for ATP points and Masters 1000 titles is secondary to his physical health and mental wellbeing.
And, after such an arduous campaign in Melbourne, Djokovic’s decision makes complete sense.
Novak Djokovic has made the right call
On the Qatar Tennis Federation’s Instagram account, a message read: “Novak Djokovic is pulling out from Doha due to strong fatigue. Qatar wants to [will] miss you. Wishing you a speedy recovery.”
This is undoubtedly the correct decision. At 38 years old, Djokovic – while still in incredible physical shape – is not the ‘spring chicken’ he once was.
Last year, Djokovic was hampered at multiple Grand Slam events due to physical issues, hindering his chances of winning a standalone 25th Grand Slam singles title.
Djokovic’s most important goal for the rest of his career is that 25th title, and by withdrawing from Doha, he has boosted his chances of doing so.
The 38-year-old is fatigued and should not risk his physical health competing in an event that will have little effect on his legacy.
What will have an effect on his legacy is winning a 25th major, and by withdrawing from Qatar, Djokovic has given himself the best possible opportunity to prepare physically for the remaining Grand Slam events this year.
Djokovic is still able to win that 25th major, and he has given his chances a serious boost by making this latest decision.
| Tournament | Round Reached | Opponent he lost to |
| 2024 Australian Open | Semi-finals | Jannik Sinner |
| 2024 French Open | Quarter-finals | Casper Ruud [Walkover] |
| 2024 Wimbledon | Final | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2024 US Open | Third Round | Alexei Popyrin |
| 2025 Australian Open | Semi-finals | Alexander Zverev |
| 2025 French Open | Semi-finals | Jannik Sinner |
| 2025 Wimbledon | Semi-finals | Jannik Sinner |
| 2025 US Open | Semi-finals | Carlos Alcaraz |
| 2026 Australian Open | Final | Carlos Alcaraz |
Novak Djokovic’s record in Qatar
Djokovic has twice won the Qatar Open: in 2016 and 2017.
In 2016, the Serbian superstar defeated Dustin Brown, Fernando Verdasco, Leonardo Mayer and Tomas Berdych to reach the final.
Djokovic then lost just three games in the final to Rafael Nadal, defeating the Spaniard 6-1, 6-2.
A year later, Djokovic defended his title in Doha after defeating Andy Murray in the final.
Stan Wawrinka or Andy Murray… who is the greater player? Let us know why below 👇
After defeating Murray 6-3, 5-7, 6-4, Djokovic said: “To win here, against the biggest rival, is a dream start.”
Murray, who won the title in 2008 and 2009, also said: “It’s a tough one to lose. It was high level tennis, some of the points were physically tough.”
