Novak Djokovic’s sudden decision to withdraw from the 2025 ATP Finals has become one of the most talked-about stories in the tennis world. The move has drawn sharp criticism from former French tennis professional Julien Varlet, who questioned both the timing and the manner of Djokovic’s announcement. Speaking on the Sans Filet podcast, Varlet expressed disappointment in how the 24-time Grand Slam champion handled the situation, calling it disrespectful to his fellow players and to the tournament itself.
Djokovic had secured his qualification for the prestigious year-end event back in October, matching Roger Federer’s record of 18 ATP Finals appearances. Despite this achievement, speculation continued to swirl over whether he would actually take part in the tournament. Even after the official draw was completed, the Serbian’s participation remained uncertain.
Only a day before the ATP Finals were scheduled to begin, Djokovic put the rumors to rest. On Saturday, November 8, after capturing the title at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, he officially announced that he would not be competing in Turin. The announcement came as a surprise to many, especially considering that he had just played—and won—a demanding three-set final against Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti.
Julien Varlet, never one to mince words, voiced strong disapproval over how Djokovic handled the situation. He argued that the 38-year-old’s last-minute withdrawal showed a lack of consideration for other players who had been left waiting to learn whether they might get a chance to compete. To Varlet, Djokovic’s timing reflected poorly on his professionalism and on the respect he should show for the sport’s traditions.
“Djokovic’s walkover shows a lack of respect for the other players,” Varlet said, according to the French translation. “The final he played in Athens was monumental, but to announce his withdrawal right afterward—it’s not classy toward the Masters. His greatness takes a hit because of that.”
Varlet suggested that, while Djokovic’s extraordinary accomplishments cannot be denied, moments like these tarnish his reputation. The former player also emphasized that the world number one’s decision was not just a blow to his peers but to the tournament organizers and fans who had been eagerly anticipating his participation.
Djokovic’s absence did, however, open the door for Musetti, his opponent in the Hellenic Championship final. The Italian was granted entry into the ATP Finals as a result of Djokovic’s withdrawal, a silver lining in an otherwise contentious situation.
The official explanation for Djokovic’s decision centered on a shoulder injury, which reportedly flared up during his intense run in Athens. While many fans sympathized with the physical demands placed on the veteran player, others questioned the timing of his announcement, wondering if the injury could have been communicated earlier.
Despite his reduced schedule in recent seasons, Djokovic remains remarkably competitive. Even with his withdrawal from the ATP Finals, he is still in contention to finish 2025 among the top five players in the ATP rankings, depending on how the event unfolds. At the very least, he is expected to end the year comfortably inside the top ten—a remarkable feat for a player approaching his 40th birthday.
Throughout the year, Djokovic has continued to challenge the sport’s younger stars, proving that his motivation and ability remain intact. Rising talents like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have been leading the charge to dethrone him, but Djokovic has shown that experience and consistency still count for much at the highest level.
However, incidents like this latest controversy show how delicate the balance is between managing a long career and maintaining one’s reputation. Varlet’s remarks highlight a broader debate in tennis: whether legends of the game, in their later years, should be held to a higher standard of professionalism given their influence and stature.
For now, Djokovic’s legacy remains one of historic dominance—24 Grand Slam titles, over 100 career trophies, and an unmatched drive to compete. Yet, as Varlet’s comments suggest, even champions of Djokovic’s caliber are not immune to criticism when their choices appear to disrespect the spirit of fair play. His decision to withdraw so late may have been understandable from a physical standpoint, but it also raised questions about transparency, timing, and the example set for younger generations of players.
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