Alexander Zverev, the world No. 2, has strongly defended Novak Djokovic following the Serb's withdrawal from the Masters tournament in Canada. Speaking to reporters, Zverev dismissed criticism that Djokovic's decision was influenced by prize money or ranking points, insisting that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is beyond such concerns. “You really think Djokovic cares about a bigger prize check? Honestly, if I had to guess, I'd say he has more than 400 million euros in his bank account,” Zverev said.

The comments come after Djokovic pulled out of the Canadian Masters, a key ATP Tour event that serves as a warm-up for the US Open. While official reasons cited fatigue and a desire to manage his schedule, the withdrawal sparked debate among fans and analysts. Some questioned whether the reduced prize money and ranking points at certain events were contributing to top players skipping them. Zverev, however, rejected that narrative outright.

A Career Built on More Than Money

Novak Djokovic's career earnings are staggering. Over the past two decades, the Serbian has amassed more than $180 million in prize money alone, the highest in tennis history. But that figure represents only a fraction of his total wealth. Endorsement deals with companies like Lacoste, Hublot, and Peugeot, along with investments and business ventures, have pushed his net worth far beyond his on-court earnings. Zverev's estimate of over 400 million euros in liquid assets is plausible, if not conservative.

Djokovic has often stated that his motivation comes from chasing history and breaking records, not from financial rewards. He has already secured the most Grand Slam titles in men's tennis history, surpassing Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. With 24 majors to his name, he has little left to prove in terms of monetary gain. His focus, as he has repeatedly emphasized, is on legacy and personal excellence.

The Context Behind the Withdrawal

The Canada Masters, also known as the Canadian Open, has long been a staple of the ATP Tour. It is one of the oldest tournaments in the sport, dating back to 1881. For decades, it served as a critical preparation event for the US Open, offering generous prize money and valuable ranking points. However, recent changes to the tour calendar have altered its significance.

The ATP's decision to expand certain Masters 1000 events to two weeks, along with the introduction of new tournaments, has created a congested schedule. Top players have become increasingly selective about which events to enter. Djokovic, at 37, has made it clear that preserving his body is a priority. His withdrawal from Canada is part of a broader strategy to peak at the Grand Slams and the Olympics.

Zverev's Own Perspective

Zverev, who has battled his own injuries over the past few seasons, understands the demands of the tour better than most. The German reached the French Open final in 2024 and has consistently been ranked among the top players in the world. He knows that managing one's schedule is essential for longevity.

“People don't realize how much effort it takes to compete at the highest level every week,” Zverev said. “Novak has nothing to prove. He could easily play a few more years and win more titles, but he's earned the right to choose his path. Criticizing him for skipping a tournament is unfair.”

Zverev also pointed out that Djokovic has been a vocal advocate for better prize money distribution in tennis, particularly for lower-ranked players. The Serb has often used his influence to push for financial reforms, even when he himself had nothing to gain. This, Zverev suggested, is evidence that Djokovic's decisions are never driven by personal profit.

The Prize Money Debate

The debate over prize money in tennis is not new. For years, there have been complaints from players outside the top 10 that the financial gap between the elite and the rest is too wide. While Grand Slams have increased their purses significantly, smaller tournaments often struggle to offer competitive pay. Djokovic has been one of the most outspoken figures on this issue, often using his platform to highlight the struggles of players ranked outside the top 50.

However, the narrative that a player like Djokovic would skip a tournament because of insufficient prize money is, according to Zverev, absurd. “Novak has been fighting for better prize money for everyone, not for himself,” Zverev explained. “He doesn't need the money. He could retire tomorrow and live comfortably for the rest of his life. The idea that he's chasing a bigger check is ridiculous.”

Ranking Points and the Changing ATP Landscape

Another point of criticism has been Djokovic's apparent indifference to the ATP rankings. He has held the world No. 1 spot for a record 428 weeks, but in recent years, he has admitted that rankings are no longer his priority. This has led some to suggest that he is not fulfilling his obligations as a top player. Zverev dismissed this as a misunderstanding of Djokovic's mindset.

“The rankings are important for young players who are trying to establish themselves,” Zverev said. “For someone like Novak, who has been No. 1 for so long, the rankings are just numbers. He wants to win Grand Slams. That's what matters to him. And honestly, that's what the fans care about too.”

The ATP has recently implemented changes to the ranking system, including a reduction in points for certain events, in an effort to encourage participation. But these changes have had mixed results. Some tournaments have seen weaker fields, while others have benefited from the new format. Djokovic's decision to skip Canada is likely a combination of factors, including rest, preparation, and the Olympic schedule.

The Olympic Factor

Another crucial context is the Olympic Games. Djokovic has always prioritized representing Serbia, and the Olympics hold a special place in his heart. The 2024 Paris Olympics were a major goal for him, and he finally clinched the gold medal, completing his career golden slam. That triumph was emotionally and physically draining, and it is no surprise that he chose to skip a tournament shortly after.

For Zverev, this is yet another example of how Djokovic's decisions are made with a bigger picture in mind. “He's 37, he just won the Olympic gold, and he wants to be ready for the US Open. Skipping Canada is the smart thing to do. Anybody who questions that doesn't understand what it takes to compete at this level for so long.”

Djokovic's Legacy Unaffected

Despite the criticism, Djokovic's legacy remains untouchable. He has won more Grand Slams than any other man in history, and he has done so in an era of unprecedented competition. His rivalries with Federer and Nadal are the stuff of legend, and his ability to come back from match point down in crucial finals is the stuff of dreams.

Zverev's defense of Djokovic reflects a growing sentiment among top players that the Serb deserves more respect. “We are witnessing something historic,” Zverev said. “I've said it before, and I'll say it again: what Novak has achieved will never be repeated. Instead of criticizing him, we should be grateful that he's still playing.”

Financial Realities and Player Priorities

It is easy to forget that professional tennis is a business. Players are independent contractors, and they must balance athletic ambition with financial reality. While the top stars earn millions, they also face significant expenses, including travel, coaching, and physiotherapy. For players outside the elite tier, prize money is often not enough to cover costs. This is why Zverev's comments about Djokovic are so striking: they highlight the vast divide between the sport's superstars and the rest of the tour.

Djokovic, despite his wealth, has been a strong advocate for lower-ranked players. He has served on the ATP Player Council and has pushed for higher prize money in the early rounds of tournaments. He has also supported initiatives to create a safety net for players who suffer injuries or fall outside the rankings. In this sense, he is not disconnected from the financial struggles of his peers; rather, he is uniquely positioned to understand them.

The Real Issue: Player Burnout

Underneath the surface, the debate over Djokovic's withdrawal points to a larger issue: player burnout. The tennis season is brutal, with nearly 11 months of competition. The ATP has tried to address this by shortening certain events, but the overall workload remains heavy for top players, who often feel obligated to play in multiple tournaments to maintain their rankings.

Zverev's comments can be seen as a broader critique of the tour's demands. “You can't expect players to play everything. It's impossible. Your body simply can't handle it,” he said. “The people who make the rules need to understand that. Novak is just the one who has the courage to do what's best for himself. Others should follow his example.”

The message is clear: Djokovic's decision to skip the Canada Masters is not a sign of disrespect, but a calculated choice by a veteran who knows his body and his limits. With the US Open on the horizon, Djokovic is likely to be fresh and ready to compete for another major title. If anything, his withdrawal from Canada should be seen as a strategic move, not a controversy.

Looking Ahead

As the tennis world turns its attention to the US Open, all eyes will be on Djokovic. Will he add to his record-breaking tally? Can he overcome the next generation of players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner? These are the questions that matter to fans, not whether he skipped a Masters event in August.

Zverev, for his part, has made his stance clear. He stands with Djokovic, and he believes that the Serb's legacy is beyond reproach. “We are lucky to have Novak in this era. He's a legend, and he deserves our respect. The criticism is not just unfair; it's ignorant.”

In the end, the tennis world may have to accept that players like Djokovic operate on a different level. They have nothing to prove and little to gain from playing every event. The beauty of Djokovic's career is that he has always followed his own instincts, and that approach has brought him unprecedented success. For now, the Serb will rest, recharge, and prepare for the final Grand Slam of the year. And when he steps onto the court at Flushing Meadows, he will be ready to remind the world why he is still the greatest of all time.

Source:L'Équipe News