Novak Djokovic has not played the Laver Cup since 2022 and has rejected Roger Federer’s plea to return to Team Europe for this weekend’s event in San Francisco
Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has turned down Roger Federer‘s invitation to represent Team Europe at this weekend’s Laver Cup. This comes despite the Swiss legend, who was instrumental in establishing the tournament, previously lobbying for the 24-time Grand Slam champion to join forces with Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic, 38, was part of Europe’s Laver Cup victory against Team World in 2018 and made another appearance in the squad in 2022. Nevertheless, this week will mark the third consecutive edition of the competition he has declined despite Federer’s efforts to lure him.
The explanation for Djokovic’s absence is straightforward, though, as it’s simply another tournament he’s prepared to skip in order to spend more time with his family. Tennis‘ most accomplished player ever is in the autumn of his career and is focusing on other commitments as the 2025 calendar draws to a close.
Speaking to Barbara Schett after the 2023 Laver Cup, Federer was questioned about whom he wished to see on Team Europe the following year. And two names specifically stood out as he looked to keep the Europeans on top.
“I would like to see Novak again, to be honest,” he said at the time. “I would love to see actually Alcaraz and Novak on the same team. Love to see that happen.”
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Djokovic has had no qualms about snubbing the Laver Cup since 2022, and Europe didn’t miss his presence last year as Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev led them to victory. Even at his advanced age, Djokovic’s influence wouldn’t be unwelcome.
Around this time last year, Djokovic expressed his intention to reduce his workload and spend more quality time with his family. The Serbian tennis star has kept his promise, but he might still make a significant appearance before 2025 ends, with the ATP Finals looming.
“For the first time in my career, I have no long-term plans. I’m living in the moment,” he 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. We’ll see how I feel and then I’ll make a decision. 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.”
Fast forward to today, and there’s at least one confirmed date on Djokovic’s schedule in the near future. However, he’ll once again be watching the Laver Cup from the sidelines as Europe aim to keep hold of their crown.
“I’m planning to play the Athens tournament,” he said earlier in September. “That’s for sure. But other than that, it’s really still a question mark.”
The Hellenic Championship, an ATP 250 event, has been moved from Djokovic’s hometown in Belgrade to Athens, where he and his family have recently relocated. The tournament kicks off on November 2, and the ATP Finals commence in Turin one week later, with Djokovic sitting third in the qualification table.
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