Novak Djokovic’s 2024 schedule: When will the tennis great return to action after Melbourne heartbreak?
Novak Djokovic is set to play a full tennis schedule in 2024 as he will be free to compete in any tournament with restrictions no longer in place.
After starting his 2024 campaign at the United Cup, Djokovic moved to Melbourne Park where he was aiming to win a record-extending 11th Australian Open title that would have seen him move to 25 Grand Slams.
However, his hopes were ended in the semi-final by an inspired Jannik Sinner as he bowed out in four sets.
The tennis great made some interesting comments about his schedule after his exit, stating: “Let’s see how things will unfold in the future.
“I want my thoughts to settle – when I calm down, I will move on and see what tournaments I will play.”
He added: “I made a commitment to myself that I will give it my all this year, with the priority being Slams and the Olympics.
“We’ll see whether something will change, in this stage of my life and my career some surprising decisions are maybe more expected compared to twenty years ago.”
Novak Djokovic’s possible calendar for the rest of 2024
Dubai Tennis Championships – February 26- March 3
The tennis great traditionally takes an extended break after the Australian Open and then returns to action in the Middle East with the Dubai Tennis Championships his preferred event.
Djokovic is a five-time winner in Dubai, but his last title came in 2020 while last year he reached the semi-final and in 2021 he exited in the quarter-final stage.
He is yet to be confirmed for the ATP 500 event and given his comments, there is a chance he could skip the tournament.
Indian Wells Open – March 4-17
Djokovic has not competed at the Sunshine Double – as the Indian Wells Open and Miami Open are dubbed – since pre-Covid with his last appearance in 2019.
He will be looking to make for lost time at the 2024 Indian Wells Open as he will be in search of a sixth title in California.
Miami Open – March 18-31
Djokovic is a six-time winner in Miami, but his last title came in 2016 when he also won the Indian Wells Open.
Monte Carlo Masters – April 8-14
The Monte Carlo Masters usually marks the start of Novak Djokovic’s clay-court season and he is unlikely to change that routine in 2024.
He is a two-time champion in the Principality, but hasn’t made it past the third round in the last three editions.
Barcelona Open – April 15-21
Last year Djokovic competed in the Srpska Open and the previous year he took part in the Serbia Open, but neither tournament is on the 2024.
The Serbian hasn’t played at the Barcelona Open since 2018 so it he could end up skipping the week or even play at the ATP 250 Bavarian International Tennis in Munich.
Madrid Open – April 22-May 5
Three-time Madrid Open winner Djokovic didn’t play in the Spanish capital last year due to injury, but the tournament is a key event ahead of Roland Garros.
Italian Open – May 6-13
Djokovic has been an ever-present participant at the main draw of the Italian Open since 2007 and he is set for his 18th appearance at next year’s tournament.
He is a five-time winner with his last title coming in 2022.
Roland Garros – May 27-June 9
As the defending champion, Djokovic will be in the line-up for the 2024 French Open title.
The big question will be whether or not Rafael Nadal will be fully fit to provide a challenge or if Carlos Alcaraz can finally go all the way in Paris.
Wimbledon – July 1-14
Djokovic missed out on tying Roger Federer’s eight Wimbledon titles last year as he lost a classic final against Alcaraz.
It was his first defeat at SW19 since 2017, but he will get another go to draw level with Federer next year.
Paris Olympics – July 27-August 4
There were heartbreaking scenes at the Tokyo Games in 2021 when Djokovic lost his semi-final match against Alexander Zverev.
The Serbian has always stated that winning a gold medal for his country at the Olympics is one of his dreams.
Cincinnati Open – August 12-18
Djokovic has not competed at the Canadian Open since 2018 so he is likely to once again kick off his North American hard-court swing with his Cincinnati Open title defence.
He hasn’t lost in Cincy since 2019 as he also won the 2020 title before missing the next two editions.
Last year he won what many believe was the match of the season when he defeated Alcaraz in the final.
US Open – August 26-September 8
The quest for a fifth US Open crown gets underway in late August at Flushing Meadows and who knows he could even be challenging for a Golden Slam if he wins the other three Grand Slams and gold at the Paris Olympics.
Djokovic has reached the final in his last two appearances, losing to Daniil Medvedev in 2021 before turning the tables this year.
Davis Cup Group Stage – September 9-15
One of the tennis great’s big goals for 2023 was to help Serbia win the Davis Cup and he even played in the group stage last year.
It remains to be seen if he will feature in the tournament.
Laver Cup – September 16-22
Djokovic played in the 2022 Laver Cup, but skipped this year’s tournament. However, he could be tempted back by Team Europe captain Bjorn Borg.
Shanghai Masters – October 2-13
The only Asian ATP Masters 1000 event returned to the calendar this year after a three-year absence and Djokovic was down to play before withdrawing from the event two weeks before the start.
He is a four-time champion in Shanghai and could make his comeback in 2024.
Paris Masters – October 28-November 3
Djokovic won his seventh Paris Masters title in 2023 when he Grigor Dimitrov in the final.
With the tournament the final regular event on the ATP Tour calendar, it is usually crucial in terms of preparation for the ATP Finals.
ATP Finals – November 10-17
If Djokovic qualifies and is fully fit, then he will look for a record-extending eighth season-ending ATP Finals trophy in Turin.
Davis Cup Finals – TBC
If Serbia qualify for the Davis Cup Finals, then Djokovic will likely finish his 2024 season in Malaga, Spain.