"Lack of respect for other players" - Novak Djokovic comes under fire from ex-tennis pro after controversial ATP Finals withdrawal

Novak Djokovic's last-minute withdrawal from the ATP Finals 2025 has been the talk of the town. Former tennis pro Julien Varlet wasn't impressed with the 24-time Major champion's decision, and criticized his actions in his recent appearance on the Sans Filet podcast.

Djokovic had officially qualified for the ATP Finals in October, tying former rival Roger Federer's record for making the cut for the same a record 18 times. However, his participation remained up in the air even after the draw was made. Following his victory at the Hellenic Championship on Saturday, November 8, the Serb announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals, a day before the start of the tournament.

According to Varlet, Djokovic's decision to keep everyone waiting until the last possible minute, and eventually withdrawing, was disrespectful to his peers. It also was a slap in the face for the tournament itself, and his actions ultimately diminished his own greatness.

"Djokovic's walkover is a lack of respect for the other players. The final he delivers in Athens is monumental, but announcing his withdrawal right after—that's not classy toward the Masters. His greatness takes a hit," Varlet said (translated from French).

Djokovic competed in a marathon three-set match to win his 101st career title at the Hellenic Championship in Athens. He beat Lorenzo Musetti in the final, and his withdrawal from the ATP Finals allowed the Italian to compete there as well. A shoulder injury was cited as the official reason for the 38-year-old's withdrawal from the ATP Finals.

Despite playing a limited schedule along with a handful of tough results, Djokovic is set to potentially finish yet another season in the top five, depending on the ATP Finals results, or at the very least in the top 10. He's still giving the young guns a run for their money, with Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner proving to be his biggest threats to win a Major.

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Novak Djokovic set to finish within the top 10 for the 18th time

Novak Djokovic at the Hellenic Championship 2025. (Photo: Getty)

Novak Djokovic reached the semifinals of all four Majors this year, becoming the oldest man to accomplish this feat. Three of his four losses were against either Carlos Alcaraz or Jannik Sinner. He captured his 100th career title at the Geneva Open, and expanded his trophy cabinet once again with his recent triumph at the Hellenic Championship.

Depending on the results of his contemporaries at the ATP Finals, Djokovic could finish 2025 ranked anywhere between No. 4 and No. 8. Nevertheless, he's set for yet another top 10 finish in the year-end rankings, achieving this feat for the 18th time in his career.

Aside from his injury-shortened 2017 season, Djokovic has finished every season since 2007 within the top 10. He clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking a record eight times, finished in second place thrice, and was ranked No. 3 at the end of the year on four occasions. He finished the 2022 season ranked No. 5, and was ranked No. 7 at the end of 2024.

Edited by Rohit