Why isn't Novak Djokovic playing in Laver Cup? Reason Roger Federer's plea was snubbed

Former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic has rejected Roger Federer's invite to represent Team Europe at this weekend's Laver Cup. That's despite the Swiss superstar, who was a key figure in founding the tournament, previously campaigning for the 24-time Grand Slam winner to link up with his continental compatriots.

Djokovic, 38, was part of Europe's Laver Cup triumph over Team World in 2018 and returned to the selection once more in 2022. However, this week will mark the third straight edition of the competition he has snubbed despite Federer's attempts to convince him in making a comeback. The reason for Djokovic's absence is simple, however, in that it's just another event he's willing to overlook in favour of spending more time with family in his elder age. Tennis' most successful athlete of all time is in the twilight of his career and is prioritising other stops as the 2025 calendar nears its end.

Speaking to Barbara Schett after the 2023 Laver Cup, Federer was asked whom he wanted to see on Team Europe the following year. And two names in particular stuck out at the top of his list.

"I would like to see Novak again, to be honest," he said at the time. "I would love to see actually [Carlos] Alcaraz and Novak on the same team. Love to see that happen."

Djokovic had no issue ignoring that plea and still hasn't appearared at the Laver Cup since 2022. Europe didn't need his aid as the likes of Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev inspired the team to vistory last year, though even at 38, his influence wouldn't go amiss.

It was around this time last year Djokovic stressed his desire to scale down his workload and spend more time with his loved ones. And the Serb has stayed true to his word, though he could still make one big appearance before 2025 is through, with the ATP Finals just around the corner.

"For the first time in my career, I have no long-term plans. I'm living in the moment," he said in September 2024. "We'll see what happens in the future. Today I will play in Sofia against Grigor [Dimitrov], then I will go to China, and afterward, I have an exhibition tournament in Saudi Arabia.

"After that? I don't know, honestly. We'll see how I feel and then I'll make a decision. I want to be with my wife and kids, be part of their daily life, something I haven't been able to do for many years."

Fast-forward to today, and there is at least one surefire date dotted on Djokovic's calendar in the near future. However, he'll once again be watching the Laver Cup as a fan as Europe look to retain their crown.

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"I'm planning to play the Athens tournament," said 'Nole' earlier in September. "That's for sure. But other than that, it's really still a question mark."

The Hellenic Championship is an ATP 250 event that has been relocated from Djokovic's hometown Belgrade to Athens, where he and his family recently moved, and gets underway on November 2. The ATP Finals start in Turin one week later, with Djokovic currently sat third in the qualification table.