Turin, Italy – November 9, 2025 – The atmosphere at Pala Alpitour, home of the Nitto ATP Finals 2025, suddenly became heavy just hours before the tournament officially kicked off. Novak Djokovic, the “King of Hard Courts” with 24 Grand Slam titles and 7 ATP Finals championships, officially withdrew from the most prestigious tournament of the season.
And even more surprising, the woman behind the Serbian hero – Jelena Djokovic, Novak’s wife – could not hold back her tears in an exclusive interview with Tennis TV, revealing shocking details about the persistent shoulder injury that has stopped her husband.
Let’s rewind the clock just 24 hours ago. In Athens, Greece, Novak Djokovic had just won the Hellenic Championship – his 101st ATP title of his career, breaking the record of the legendary Roger Federer for the most titles on hard courts (72). 
The dramatic final, which lasted nearly three hours against Lorenzo Musetti (4-6, 6-3, 7-5), sent the crowd into a frenzy. Djokovic hugged the trophy, smiled brightly, and even posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “A match to remember! Thank you Athens!”. But behind that smile was a lingering pain – a shoulder injury that he had tried to hide all season. Just an hour later, the news came as a shock: Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals.
In a statement on social media, he wrote: “I was really looking forward to playing in Turin and giving my all, but after today’s final in Athens, I am sad to announce that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing shoulder injury. I am truly sorry to the fans – your support means a lot. I wish the other players a great tournament, and I look forward to getting back on the court soon!” Lorenzo Musetti, the reluctant “victim”, was called in as a replacement and will make his ATP Finals debut in the Jimmy Connors group.
But the drama really exploded when Jelena Djokovic, 38, appeared at Turin airport with her two children, Stefan (8) and Tara (7). With red eyes and a trembling voice, she stopped in front of the reporters’ lenses, unable to contain her emotions. “I… I can’t believe this is happening again,” Jelena choked, tears rolling down her cheeks. “Novak has been fighting this injury all year.
It’s not a new injury – it started after Wimbledon, when he was trying to save the season at all costs. The doctor advised him to rest since August, but Novak… he is Novak Djokovic! He thinks he’s invincible, thinks that will can heal everything.”
Jelena revealed more details that made fans heartbroken: “In the Athens final yesterday, Novak had to have a painkiller injection right before the match. His shoulder was swollen like a ball, and every serve was a time he gritted his teeth and endured. We argued all the time – I begged him to stop, thinking about the future, about the children, about the fact that he was 38 years old.
But he said: ‘Jelena, if I give up now, I will regret it for the rest of my life. This is my 101st title, my way of proving that I am still number 1’. And then… after the match, he couldn’t lift his arms anymore. We cried together on the plane home last night. Novak has never cried over a loss, but this time, he cried because he couldn’t keep his promise to the fans, to Turin.”
The sight of Jelena holding her child, wiping away tears while telling the story made the entire media team silent. “This is not just tennis,” she continued, her voice breaking. “This is our life. Novak has sacrificed so much – all those sleepless nights, the endless flights, and now his body has betrayed him.
This shoulder injury is not simple; it is the result of him pushing his limits too far, trying to prove that age is not a barrier. I fear… I fear that one day he will not be able to hold a racket anymore. But I am proud of my husband. He is a true warrior.”
The reaction from the tennis community was immediate. Roger Federer tweeted: “Novak, rest, man.
The court will wait for you.” Rafael Nadal said: “Injuries are part of the game, but Nole’s spirit is undying.” And Jannik Sinner, the No. 1 seed at the ATP Finals, sent a message: “Thank you for everything. Turin will give you a round of applause.” Serbian fans held a “Djokovic Night” outside the stadium, singing “Nole, Nole” in tribute.
With Djokovic’s withdrawal, the 2025 ATP Finals lost a legend, but the drama of Jelena’s revelation turned it into the most emotional story of the year. Novak is now in Belgrade, starting his recovery under the care of top medical professionals. Jelena ended the interview with a weak smile: “He will be back. Stronger than ever. For his family, for tennis, and for the tears today.”
This story is not just about a shoulder injury – it is about love, sacrifice, and the strength of a woman behind the greatest man in tennis. The ATP Finals continue, but the memory of “Jelena’s tears” will forever be the highlight of the drama of 2025.
