Novak Djokovic 'doubts' cast by Roger Federer ex-coach as Serb pulls out of Paris Masters

's former coach Ivan Ljubicic has cast "doubts" over 's schedule after he

By withdrawing, the world No. 4 put his chances of qualifying for the ATP Finals in jeopardy.

But Ljubicic doesn't think the Serb was planning to compete in the season-ending championships no matter what. And he looked ahead to Djokovic's 2025 hopes.

Djokovic has increasingly limited his schedule this year. He skipped Masters 1000 events in Miami, Madrid, Canada and Cincinnati, and has now

The 37-year-old is now at risk of being unable to defend his title at the ATP Finals. He currently sits at No. 6 in the race with the top eight players qualifying but by skipping the Paris Masters, he's set to be overtaken by multiple players.

Ljubicic has now questioned whether the 24-time Grand Slam champion would be in Turin whether or not he qualified. The retired player-turned-coach addressed Djokovic's future and whether he would still be motivated to compete now his biggest rivals - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - will be out of the game.

"I don't know and I don't think he knows right now either," Federer's old mentor told Sky Sports.

"In my opinion, his goal is definitely the tournaments and not the ranking, because to go up even more he would have to play a lot more. He is neither physically nor mentally ready for it, but in Shanghai he showed us that when he wants to compete, he can challenge the best."

While Djokovic's 2024 season appears to be done, Ljubicic is backing the Serb to return stronger net year. He added: "I have doubts about him playing in Turin this year, but he will try again next year."

It's not surprising that Djokovic isn't fussed about qualifying. The 99-time title winner . Instead, he will prioritise the Grand Slams and opportunities to represent his country.

The world No. 4 also said he had no plans to retire anytime soon. "Maybe some people think I should retire with the Olympic gold, on a high," he said during the recent Six Kings Slam exhibition.

"Others, on the contrary, think I should keep going as long as I'm a candidate for the Grand Slams. I'm leaning towards the latter.

"Maybe I'll change my mind soon, but now I feel like I want to keep going. I feel sorry for those who want me to retire, but I still have some time left."

But it's not known when he will next compete. Djokovic did not enter the United Cup at the beginning of 2025. It remains to be seen whether he plays a different warm-up tournament or heads straight to the Australian Open in mid-January.