• Loading stock data...
Saturday, October 12, 2024
The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open! Take the survey

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

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
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Rafael Nadal to Retire: His Impact on Tennis, Endorsement Legacy

Nadal has been battling with injuries over the last few years.
Jul 12, 2024; London, United Kingdom; Lorenzo Musetti of Italy returns a shot against Novak Djokovic of Serbia on day 12 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Wimbledon Turns to AI After 147 Years of Tennis Line Judges

The French Open is now the lone tennis major without electronic line calling.
Running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a touchdown against USC with teammates during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024.

House v. NCAA Lawyers Amend Settlement to Address Concerns About Boosters and NIL

Judge Claudia Wilken had concerns about the definition of the word “booster.”
Mar 5, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta smiles during the third quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Toyota Center.

Tilman Fertitta Is Finally Trying to Bring WNBA Back to Houston

Houston is the biggest U.S. market to not have a WNBA team.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Inside CFB’s Biggest Day of the Year

0:00

Featured Today

Sep 21, 2024; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders (2) walks through Buff Walk before the game against the Baylor Bears at Folsom Field.
opinion

The NIL Era Is a Wild West. Is Anyone Surprised?

Amateurism is dead and college athletes are professionals. How’s that working out?
October 11, 2024

‘We’re Ready for FBS’: Sacramento State Is Serious About the Jump

How the Hornets got themselves on the short list of potential call-ups.
Duante' Abercrombie News Ch.4 interview
October 9, 2024

Tennessee State’s Ambitious Plan to Launch an HBCU Hockey Program

TSU has big plans, but the university is facing an existential dilemma.
October 8, 2024

Ryan Smith Sees Salt Lake City As Next Vegas-Like Sports Town

Utah Hockey Club’s owner says all the pieces are falling into place.
Jul 20, 2024; London, United Kingdom; The New Balance FuelCell MD-X spikes worn by Gabrielle Thomas aka Gabby Thomas (USA) in the women's 200m during the London Athletics Meet at London Stadium.

Olympic Sprinter Sues New Balance Over ‘Cracked’ Shoes

Khamica Bingham is a two-time Olympic sprinter for Canada.
October 9, 2024

PGA vs. LIV ‘Showdown’ Has International Ambitions

The inaugural match will be played in Las Vegas this December.
October 11, 2024

Haason Reddick Fired by Own CAA Agents $9 Million Into Jets Holdout

The star rusher has not played all season over a contract dispute.
Sponsored

Rivalries Reign Across Red River and the Beltway, London Calling

According to data from TickPick, renewed battles between bitter foes are spiking ticket prices.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) smiles while answering a question Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, after an Indiana Fever practice at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
October 8, 2024

Next Up for Caitlin Clark Mania: Women’s Golf

The hoops sensation is scheduled to play in a pro-am on the LPGA Tour.
October 6, 2024

MLB Poised for Huge Viewership Gains

A Dodgers-Yankees World Series is on the table.
October 5, 2024

MLB Gets the Shohei Ohtani Postseason Treatment. The Value Is Immense

The Japanese superstar finally makes his playoff debut Saturday.
October 3, 2024

Connor Bedard Was a Huge Draw As a Rookie. Will His Star Power Rise?

The Blackhawks reported a 50% increase in season-ticket sales for the 2024–2025 season.