Novak Djokovic has provided a rare update on his health after a season disrupted by an undisclosed condition, confirming he is close to full fitness as he prepares to compete at this week's Swiss Indoors Basel.
The 39-year-old, ranked world No. 12, has accepted a wildcard into the event, marking his first appearance in Basel since 2011. The decision comes as he targets a spot at the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.
Struggles and Recovery
Over the summer, Djokovic faced physical setbacks, including back-to-back opening-round losses at the Cincinnati Open and the US Open, where he was seen vomiting on court. He recovered to win the China Open in Beijing, but has admitted to dealing with an undisclosed health issue in recent years.
Speaking to Sportal shortly before leaving for Basel, Djokovic said: "I've progressed a lot and we're on the right track. It's not 100 per cent yet, but I'm close. We won't talk about it anymore."
ATP Finals Ambition
Djokovic qualified for the ATP Finals in 2024 and 2025 but withdrew from the tournament, which features the eight players who have earned the most ranking points in a single year. However, he has changed his mind this season and wants to return to Turin for the first time since lifting the trophy there in 2023.
To achieve that, he will need to make up ground on his rivals over the coming weeks at the Swiss Indoors and the Paris Masters. The 24-time Major champion also noted that the postponement of the Six Kings Slam, a three-day exhibition event in Saudi Arabia, opened the door for him to compete in Switzerland.
He added: "I didn't play Basel for a long time. The schedule changed. They moved the tournament in Saudi Arabia that I was supposed to play, so that week was free. I'm playing well, I'm feeling good, of course, it's not the way we want it yet, but at a competitive level, I'll be in Basel."
Indoor Conditions and Opening Match
Djokovic explained that his desire to play in Basel, Paris and Turin was partly down to the indoor conditions, which make things easier for him physically. "This year I would like to go to Turin. I have a chance, we'll see," he said. "Another motivation for adding a tournament this indoor season is because I think it will be easier for me physically indoors because there is no heat, no sun, no external factors that I face when I play outside. It will mean a lot to me and we hope for the best."
Djokovic faces Ugo Humbert in his opening match at the Swiss Indoors, having already been training on-site with old rival Stan Wawrinka, who is retiring this week.
