“So after Shanghai, the only tournament I know I’m going to play is the one in Athens, and then we’ll see if I play Turin or not. I’m not sure yet,” Novak Djokovic said last month, leaving fans unsure about what his season would look like. Sure, he’s had a busy year, winning matches and even lifting the 2025 Geneva Open trophy. But things took a worrying turn at the Shanghai Masters, where he struggled with back problems. Followed by a withdrawal from the Paris Masters without explanation. Just when it seemed his season might be over, the positive news arrived.

Well, just recently, tennis journalist @josemorgado shared something that boded well for fans of Nole: “Italian Tennis Federation president says Novak Djokovic WILL play the ATP Finals next week.” That was huge news because Djokovic hadn’t said anything himself. After being off the tour for nearly a month, he is finally set to make his return for the ATP Finals in Turin from November 9 to 16. But before that, he’s busy in Athens, where he’ll face Alejandro Tabilo in the second round.  And there’s an interesting part.

This ATP 250 Hellenic Championship is actually run by the Djokovic family, who took over the license from the old Belgrade Open. Seems like Djokovic is keeping it both professional and personal this week. But since the Athens event ends so close to the ATP Finals, fans weren’t sure if Djokovic would risk playing both, especially after pulling out of Turin last year due to injury. Some were starting to think he might skip it again.

So when Italian Tennis Federation president Angelo Binaghi confirmed that Novak will be there, it felt like a sigh of relief for everyone waiting to see him back on the big stage. The comeback timing couldn’t be better, but the ripple effect doesn’t stop there.

With Novak Djokovic confirmed, there’s now only one open spot left for Turin. And the battle for that final place is getting tense. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti are neck and neck in the race, separated by just 160 points. Musetti is playing this week in Athens, while Auger-Aliassime just wrapped up a strong run in Paris and is now in Metz for the Moselle Open.

If Musetti wins in Greece, he could steal that last Turin ticket right under the Canadian’s nose, should he underperform in France. So, all eyes aren’t just on Djokovic’s return. But Djokovic’s decision to play in Athens is sparking rumors that he might actually skip the ATP Finals.

Novak Djokovic’s uncertain road from Athens to Turin keeps fans guessing

If Novak Djokovic does make it to the Athens final on Saturday, he’d have almost no time to recover before his first group match in Turin on Monday. His participation is questionable due to that schedule alone, especially since he would also miss the ATP Finals’ official player presentation, which is a major event. The uncertainty only increases when you consider that he recently pulled out of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in the middle of the match because of persistent physical problems.

And while ATP President Angelo Binaghi insists Djokovic will play, history tells us the Serb can always make a last-minute call if his body isn’t ready. It seems like fans want an official statement from him about Turin. In hopes of receiving a hint, supporters are now anticipating his round of 16 matchup with Alejandro Tabilo of Chile in Maroussi. The uncertainty only deepened after his shock semi-final loss to Valentin Vacherot in Shanghai and his withdrawal from Paris.

Former pro John Isner even said he doesn’t expect Djokovic to play Turin, “And I hope I’m wrong. I think everyone would love to see him in Turin. The fact that he’s already qualified, playing the schedule that he’s played this year, is just completely absurd. At 38 years old, it needs mentioning again. But I don’t think he’s playing. He didn’t play last year. ” Still, others believe Djokovic is simply managing his body smartly to extend his career.

For now, all attention turns to Athens, where his brother Djordje insists he’s working hard to recover and “feels good” again. One thing’s certain: whether he steps onto the court in Turin or not, Novak Djokovic has everyone watching, guessing, and waiting for his next move.