Thursday December 7, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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*).

Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Tennis Grand Slams Reportedly Want a Formula 1-Style Tour

Potential union of sport's largest events would represent historic transformation.
Wimbledon center court on a partly sunny day

Wimbledon Expansion Fate Rests In London Mayor’s Office

London borough of Wandsworth votes against $250 million expansion bid.

Wimbledon Expansion In Doubt Amid Local Objections

Local borough planners recommended rejection of project
Billie Jean King fields questions at a press conference.

Billie Jean King Is Still Hitting Equal Pay Milestones

Billie Jean King's impact resonates 50 years after she demanded equal pay.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Why the NBA May Have Made Billions With Midseason Tournament

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
FanDuel
Multiple Locations
Adidas
Multiple Locations
Creative Artists Agency
Multiple Locations
Jon Rahm tees off on the 15th hole during the first round of the PGA Championship in Rochester, New York.

Report: Jon Rahm Set to Join LIV Golf

Rahm could get the richest LIV Golf contract yet.
December 2, 2023

Ohtani's Future Deal Takes Center Stage As Winter Meetings Kick Off

The two-way phenom is expected to sign the largest-ever player contract in U.S. team sports.
December 4, 2023

Are Tiger Woods and Nike Splitting Up? The Move Would Change Golf

A new report suggests a move could be brewing.
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
Shaquille O'Neal
exclusive
December 1, 2023

A.I. Shaq? Authentic Files Trademarks Hinting at Virtual Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal and licensing group claim “ASK SHAQ” and “SHAQ A.I.”
November 30, 2023

Tracking Devices and Bags of Cash: A Soccer Scandal in Turkey

Former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan is involved in the scandal.
November 30, 2023

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands celebrates his victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 30, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid Formula 1 Drivers For 2023

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen tops the list with $70 million.