Thursday, November 5, 2026

Novak Djokovic’s Holdout Will Cost Him More Than History

  • French and English current COVID restrictions prevent him from defending his 2021 French and Wimbledon championships.
  • After winning five tournaments and earning $9.1 million in 2021, Djokovic hasn’t played this year.
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Novak Djokovic was deported prior to the Australian Open in January, derailing his bid for a record 21st Grand Slam title. Without him, Rafael Nadal made men’s tennis history by winning No. 21.

The world No. 1 told the BBC that missing the French Open and Wimbledon “is the price that I’m willing to pay” for remaining unvaccinated. 

The price would be steep: Djokovic earned $1.7 million for winning at Roland Garros in 2021 and $2.4 million for his Wimbledon title.

French and English current COVID restrictions prevent him from defending his 2021 French and Wimbledon championships — and adding to his $155 million in career earnings, the most all-time.

  • The 34-year-old has won the French Open twice and Wimbledon six times, including the last three.
  • After winning five tournaments and earning $9.1 million in 2021, Djokovic hasn’t played this year. He last played for Serbia in the Davis Cup in early December.
  • He’s scheduled to play in March at the BNP Paribas Open in California.

Wins in the French Open (May 22-June 5) and Wimbledon (June 27-July 10) would break Djokovic’s second-place tie with Roger Federer (20 GS titles) and surpass Nadal for the top spot.

Even with his status up in the air, Djokovic has the second-best odds (+225*) to win the French and is the favorite at Wimbledon (+110*).

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.

Mark Walter’s Sports Empire Shrinking Again

The Dodgers and Cadillac F1 remain in Walter’s portfolio despite other sales.

Rafael Jodar Embroiled in Yet Another Ball Kid Controversy

Jodar told a ball boy to “give me the fucking towel.”

Six Kings Slam Postponed to December Following Saudi Airport Attack

The tennis tournament was originally scheduled to start on Oct. 21.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/4/26 – MLB Wants to Delay Salary Cap, WNBA Finals Record, What’s Next for ‘PTI’?

0:00

Featured Today

Pickering High School North

High School Athletic Directors Say They’re Running ‘Mini Colleges’

ADs are managing a growing list of demands from athletes and parents.
October 30, 2026

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.

Is the Lamar Jackson Era Over in Baltimore?

Jackson’s contract situation hangs over the franchise.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:
October 30, 2026

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.