By Moselaunch 
Novak Djokovic has decided to take a breather from his pursuit of an eighth Paris Masters title, opting instead to unwind in the Maldives. The tennis legend’s unexpected decision to skip his favorite indoor tournament has surprised fans, as Djokovic’s focus shifts from the ATP Finals chase to enjoying his time off the court. It’s unknown if he’s traveling solo or with family, but Djokovic appears to be making the most of his time in the picturesque paradise, indulging in some well-deserved relaxation away from the competitive pressures of the ATP Race.
With Djokovic’s absence in Paris, questions about his qualification for the ATP Finals emerge. He’s currently ranked sixth in the ATP Race, keeping rivals like Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur at bay. While his chances of making it to Turin aren’t entirely dashed, Djokovic seems content in the Maldives, showing little interest in the Finals and taking a break that’s as much mental as physical. It’s a move that raises speculation about how he’s approaching the close of a challenging season.
The 2024 season has seen Djokovic encounter several ups and downs, highlighted by a single ATP title and some heartbreaking near-misses. Starting with a semi-final loss to Jannik Sinner at the Australian Open and later setbacks in Indian Wells and Monte Carlo, Djokovic has faced tough defeats throughout the year. Persistent injuries also hampered his momentum, with knee issues forcing him to pull out before a scheduled quarter-final clash with Ruud at Roland Garros. Despite these struggles, Djokovic still managed to rally back to a Wimbledon final, only to lose to his young rival, Carlos Alcaraz, in straight sets.
However, one of Djokovic’s biggest achievements this year came at the Olympics, where he claimed his long-desired gold medal after an epic showdown against Alcaraz. That victory, arguably his season’s peak, marked his 15th significant trophy and was a dream come true. After this high, Djokovic seemed less driven at the US Open and adjusted his schedule to ease up on the intensity. He returned to compete in Shanghai, finishing as a runner-up against Sinner, and later in Riyadh, where he reached the semi-finals before withdrawing from the Paris Masters. Now, Djokovic is taking it easy, leaving fans eagerly awaiting his next move.