Novak Djokovic has opened up about his feelings regarding the 2025 ATP Finals. Although the Serb withdrew from the event due to a shoulder injury, he admitted that watching the showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner made him wish he could have been in Turin. Djokovic said the level displayed in the final reminded him why the season-ending championship is so special, and he acknowledged that missing the battle between two of the tour’s biggest stars was difficult for him as a competitor.

Djokovic became the third player to secure his place at the 2025 ATP Finals, marking his 18th career qualification for the season-ending event — a feat that ties him with Roger Federer for the most appearances in tournament history. However, after sustaining a shoulder injury during the Hellenic Championships in early November, the World No. 4 decided to withdraw from the Finals, choosing instead to prioritize his recovery and preparation for the 2026 season.

At the ATP Finals, Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner battled each other in the summit clash on the courts of Turin, with Sinner clinching a straight-sets victory. Reacting to their battle, Novak Djokovic told Eurosport that the level displayed by both players was “extraordinary,” adding that matches like theirs reminded him why the event is one of the most prestigious on the calendar. He praised the intensity and shot-making on display, admitting that watching such a high-quality final from the sidelines was both “inspiring and frustrating,” as he would have loved to be competing alongside them had it not been for his injury..

“I watched the match, I watched the first set, now when they play it’s become a tradition that the 1st set ends 7-6 in one way or another – with much tension, much intensity and an astronomical level. When they play, I wish I was there because the level is very high and their rivalry is a really positive thing for our sport, they’re amazing. Jannik, in particular, what he’s done indoor in the past few years is historic.”

When Novak Djokovic hailed Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s French Open clash as ‘historic’

Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner clashed in six finals throughout the 2025 season, with their rivalry reaching its peak at Roland Garros. Their French Open title showdown — a marathon lasting 5 hours and 29 minutes — delivered some of the most unforgettable tennis of the year and instantly became the defining battle of their season-long duel..

Reacting to this final, Novak Djokovic hailed Alcaraz and Sinner’s clash as “historic,” telling the media at Wimbledon 2025 that the level they produced at Roland Garros was “something tennis will remember for a very long time.” He praised both players for their resilience and intensity, noting that their marathon battle showcased “the future of the sport in its purest form.”

“To be honest, I was in my country. My wife wanted to watch the final but I didn’t want to watch it. The first part of the match we went outside for lunch. We came back and I ended up watching it. Incredible, incredible match. Huge credit to both of them. It was one of the most historic matches we have ever seen.”…

Over the course of the 2025 season, Novak Djokovic faced both Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner on multiple occasions. While he managed to score a single victory over Alcaraz, the Serb was unable to find a way past Sinner at any point during the year.