Novak Djokovic has hit out at those sharing their “expert opinion” on his health issues, insisting they do not know what is happening with him. The 24-time Major champion addressed concerns after vomiting on court during some early exits this year, including at the US Open.
While he has not disclosed the issue, Djokovic has admitted that a health condition has been “bothering [him] for the past couple of years” – especially in hot and humid conditions. He seemed to improve in Beijing, where he lifted a 102nd career title last month, winning some gruelling, physical battles.
Djokovic's Message to Critics
Djokovic has since suffered early losses in Shanghai and Basel, but he also believes his health is improving. And he sent a pointed message to those who had their own theories about his undisclosed health concerns.
“This year the kind of focus shifted on feeling well on the court rather than playing well, to be honest, because for most of the tournaments that I played – I didn't play many – it was health-wise a big struggle. Physically, you know, just struggled a lot,” the world No. 11 said ahead of this week’s Paris Masters, where he is making his first appearance since 2023.
“Had nothing to do with my preparation or whether I'm training enough, because I see there are a lot of people that love to express their expert opinion on knowing exactly what's happening with me, but they don't.
“But nevertheless, you know, as I said, whenever I kind of felt better on the court, and lately that has been the case, we're really getting closer to solving what I have been going through in the last 12 months, so, you know, right away my performance level, my enjoyment on the court, my feeling is great, and I play better.
Recent Form and ATP Finals Hopes
“Beijing was the best week of the year, other than Australia, and I thought I played pretty well in Basel, as well. Of course, that was a tight match to lose, but yeah, you know, just trying to enjoy the last couple weeks of the season and on the court feeling better primarily, as I said. And then the performance will come. Yeah, we'll see after that.”
Djokovic has made it clear that he wants to qualify for the ATP Finals. He has not played the season-ending championships since 2023, despite qualifying the last two years. The Serb has since explained that this was due to injuries.
But he will have to reach at least the semi-finals of the Paris Masters to stay in contention for a place in Turin, and his fate will likely depend on other players’ results too. Djokovic faces Swiss Indoors champion Valentin Vacherot in round one.
