Novak Djokovic is adjusting his schedule as he pursues one of the remaining places at the ATP Finals.
The 39-year-old has added the ATP 500 event in Basel to his schedule, returning to Roger Federer’s town for the first time since 2011.
Novak #Djokovic Day 1 practice in Beijing, at the centre court “Diamond” of @ChinaOpen
— milos (@milos64692648) September 26, 2026
Andy Roddick believes the decision could also benefit the Serbian ahead of the Australian Open, where a long break from competition could make the opening matches particularly demanding.
The American sees value in Djokovic playing several matches before the end of the year rather than relying entirely on training before heading to Melbourne next January.
As the 39-year-old carefully manages his workload, finding the right balance between physical preparation and competitive rhythm could prove crucial, especially at this stage of his career.
Andy backs Novak’s decision to add tournaments
For the last couple of years, the Belgrade native has become increasingly selective with his schedule. However, his latest adjustment could serve a purpose beyond the immediate race for the ATP Finals.
After nearly two months away from competition, returning directly to the demands of the Australian summer can be difficult, with the first Major event of the season arriving already in the first month of the new year.
Roddick believes that match play becomes even more important as players get older. Training remains essential for maintaining strength and fitness. Still it cannot fully reproduce the pressure, intensity and physical demands of actual competition.
By adding another tournament late in the season, Novak could give himself more opportunities to sharpen game and assess his condition before the new campaign begins in 2027.
More matches could provide better preparation for Melbourne
Roddick would like to see Djokovic play six matches or more before the Australian Open. That would give him valuable competitive preparation while allowing him to continue working on the physical aspects of his game.
The recovery also plays a major role in the story. The 24-time Major winner doesn’t need to rush back simply because he has been away from the Tour, and time spent strengthening his body could be just as valuable as time on court.
The key remains in finding the right balance between preparation and competition. Novak remains open to different ways of getting his bofy and mind into the right place ahead of the biggest tournaments.
If he can combine effective physical training with several competitive outings before January, the ten-time champion may give himself a stronger platform for another strong Australian Open campaign.
The legend stopped the clock again in Melbourne this year, having beaten Jannik Sinner in the semi-final in five thrilling sets. He even claimed the opening set against Carlos Alcaraz in the title clash before the young gun turned the tables.
For now, Novak’s immediate objective is to make a late-season push for the ATP Finals, seeking deep runs in Basel and Paris. The importance of those matches could extend well beyond Turin, potentially shaping how well he begins the next season in Australia.
“I love the way Novak handles all of this, because if you haven’t played since the US Open, and then you try to jump into a match in Brisbane followed by the Australian Open, I think that’s generally very difficult – and it only gets harder with time.
It’s much tougher at 40, where Novak is now, than at 37. I love that he can still play matches; even if he takes a month off, he won’t be desperate to get that adrenaline rush back. Those feelings don’t just vanish in a week or two.
During that time, you can focus on strengthening your body and getting in all the necessary physical training. But I really like the idea of playing matches at the end of the year, before heading to Australia in January.
I would love to see him play three, four, five, or even six matches before the Australian Open. I think that at this stage of his career – and the fact that he is adding tournaments at the last minute might be a sign of this – he could well embrace that approach.
I would be thrilled to see him do it,” Andy Roddick said.
