Novak Djokovic fails to match Roger Federer's record. Will he chase it in 2025?

11/20/2024 05:02 PM

Novak Djokovic is the ultimate ATP Finals champion, claiming seven titles between 2008 and 2023. While holding the most important record, Novak is yet to match Roger Federer's two achievements at the premium ATP event, although he could have taken one last week!

Roger leads the pack with 17 appearances at the ATP Finals, with Novak standing one behind. The Serb could have competed in Turin last week, but he ended his season earlier, skipping Paris and the ATP Finals. Djokovic cited injury as the reason for his Turin withdrawal, and we will see if he will chase the ATP Finals berth next season.

The 24-time Major winner claimed an elusive Olympic Games gold medal in Paris in August. That changed his perspective, winning every notable title in our sport and focusing on Majors and the Davis Cup for the rest of his career. Djokovic and Federer stand in front of Andre Agassi, who competed at the ATP Finals 13 times. 

Rafael Nadal could have also been high on the list, entering the premium ATP event 11 times and withdrawing on six occasions. 

The point that sealed an EIGHTH year-end No.1 🥇@DjokerNole defeats Rune 7-6 6-7 6-3 for a 19th consecutive win! #NittoATPFinalspic.twitter.com/XJgGeGhgsT

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) November 12, 2023

The Swiss maestro debuted at the ATP Finals in 2002, passing the round-robin stage before losing to Llweyton Hewitt in a thriller. Roger stood strong in 2003 and 2004 in Houston, lifting his first ATP Finals crowns but losing an epic final in 2005 to David Nalbandian. 

Federer conquered another pair of titles in 2006 and 2007, becoming one of the tournament's legends at 26. The Swiss failed to pass the round-robin stage in 2008 and suffered a semi-final loss a year later before shining in 2010. Federer defeated Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic en route to his fifth trophy. 

The sixth came a year later, his last at the premium ATP event. Roger reached the title clash in 2012, 2014 and 2015, falling to Novak Djokovic two times and giving Serb a walk over in 2014. The Swiss missed the ATP Finals in 2016 due to an injury and returned in the next three years. 

The legend suffered three semi-final losses to David Goffin, Alexander Zverev and Stefanos Tsitsipas, ending his ATP Finals journey on 59 victories and six trophies. 

Novak collected 16 ATP Finals appearances between 2007 and 2023, missing it in 2017 and this year. Djokovic kicked off his journey at the elite event with three losses in 2007 before bouncing back in style 12 months later. The Serb prevailed over Gilles Simon and ousted Nikolay Davydenko to lift the trophy at 21. 

Djokovic failed to pass the group stage in 2009 and 2011, losing to Roger Federer in the semi-final in 2010. Novak stood as a player to beat in London between 2012 and 2015, lifting four consecutive trophies and writing history books. The Serb chased the fifth straight title in 2016.

He advanced to the final and fought against Andy Murray for the title and the year-end no. 1 spot. The Briton defeated the Serb in straight sets, ending his streak at the premium ATP event. Novak skipped the ATP Finals for the first time in ten years in 2017 due to injury and returned a year later. 

He lost the final to Alexander Zverev and failed to fight for the trophy in the following three editions. Djokovic bounced back in 2022, defeating five rivals and lifting his first ATP Finals trophy since 2015. Novak returned to Turin as world no. 1 a year ago and defended the trophy.

The veteran could have ended his 16th ATP Finals appearance in the round-robin stage. However, Jannik Sinner ousted Holger Rune and kept the legend in the competition. Novak took down Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-final, dominating on serve and return and moving into the final. 

Djokovic faced his saviour, Jannik Sinner, and wished to avenge the round-robin stage tight loss. The Serb played flawless tennis and beat the home star 6-3, 6-3 en route to his seventh ATP Finals trophy. Jannik struggled physically and failed to match the legend's pace. 

Novak played against two break points and defended them, mounting the pressure on the other side. He controled the scoreboard with three breaks on his tally, finishing the season with his seventh ATP title. Djokovic looked good to qualify for the ATP Finals this season. 

However, he decided to skip the premium ATP event, ending the season earlier than usual and focusing on 2025. Djokovic is still capable of challenging the rivals from the top, and it will be interesting to see his decision if he qualifies for the ATP Finals next November.