Novak Djokovic Spotted Limping at Doha Airport – Fitness Concerns Ahead of Sunshine Double

Novak Djokovic Spotted Limping at Doha Airport – Fitness Concerns Ahead of Sunshine Double

Novak Djokovic, the former world No. 1 and one of the greatest tennis players in history, has raised serious concerns after being spotted limping at Doha Airport. The footage, which quickly spread across social media, has fueled speculation about his physical condition just before the highly anticipated Sunshine Double, one of the most significant events on the ATP calendar.

Djokovic, widely known for his endurance and exceptional movement, made his return to competitive play at the 2025 Qatar Open after he was forced to withdraw from the Australian Open due to injury. However, his unexpected early exit in Qatar and now the footage of him struggling to walk have left fans and analysts questioning whether he will be ready for the upcoming tournaments at Indian Wells and Miami Open.

Injury Concerns – Is Djokovic Ready for the Sunshine Double?

The Sunshine Double, scheduled for next month, consists of two of the most demanding ATP Masters 1000 tournaments—Indian Wells and Miami Open. These back-to-back events are known for their fast courts, grueling conditions, and strong competition, making them a true test of stamina and skill.

If Djokovic is indeed struggling with an injury, his absence from these tournaments could significantly impact his ranking, momentum, and overall competitive standing. While he has previously overcome physical setbacks, the latest footage raises doubts about whether he has fully recovered from his Australian Open withdrawal.

What Happened at the Australian Open?

Djokovic’s Australian Open 2025 campaign was cut short when he retired from his quarterfinal match against Alexander Zverev after just one set. The sudden nature of his withdrawal led to immediate criticism from some quarters, with speculation surrounding the severity of his injury. However, later medical reports confirmed that he had suffered a minor hamstring tear, which forced him to take time off to recover.

His decision to return at the Qatar Open was seen as a major test of his fitness. Many expected him to make a deep run in the tournament, especially with the possibility of a high-profile semifinal against Carlos Alcaraz. However, his tournament ended prematurely when he lost in straight sets to Matteo Berrettini in the opening round.

In his post-match press conference, Djokovic dismissed any injury concerns, insisting that his performance was below expectations but not due to physical pain.

“I didn’t feel pain or discomfort in that sense. I was beaten by a better player today,” Djokovic said. “Yes, I wasn’t at my desired level, and perhaps I wasn’t moving the way I wanted, but I played without pain, so there’s no excuse.”

Despite his reassurances, the tennis world remains skeptical, especially after seeing him struggle while walking through Doha Airport.

Djokovic’s Absence Could Change the Competitive Landscape

Should Djokovic be forced to skip Indian Wells and Miami, it could reshape the ATP rankings and competitive landscape. With rising stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Jannik Sinner all competing for top positions, Djokovic’s absence would provide them a prime opportunity to close the gap in the rankings.

Djokovic has historically performed well at Indian Wells and Miami, and his presence always adds an extra level of excitement and intensity to the tournaments. However, if he is physically compromised, even if he competes, he may struggle to produce his best tennis against younger and fully fit opponents.

How Will This Impact Djokovic’s 2025 Season?

At 37 years old, Djokovic is entering a critical phase of his career. He remains one of the most skilled players on tour, but age and injuries are becoming a growing concern. While he has consistently defied expectations, the reality is that the competition is getting tougher, and his body may not recover as quickly as it once did.

One major concern is whether Djokovic will need to adjust his schedule moving forward. If he decides to skip Indian Wells and Miami, he may focus on a longer recovery period before the clay-court season begins. However, skipping major tournaments means he will lose valuable match play, which could affect his preparation for Roland Garros.

Additionally, Djokovic’s early exit from Indian Wells last year means he doesn’t have many points to defend. However, if he withdraws from this year’s edition, he could drop further in the rankings, potentially losing his spot among the top contenders heading into the French Open and Wimbledon.

Meanwhile, players like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner have already shown their ability to dominate the ATP Tour. Even though Sinner is currently serving a three-month suspension, his previous consistency has kept him in the rankings race. Meanwhile, younger players are eager to step into Djokovic’s shoes, and any extended absence from tournaments could accelerate the shift in tennis’s competitive hierarchy.

Is Djokovic Nearing the End of His Dominance?

As Djokovic’s injury concerns continue to linger, some are wondering whether this marks the beginning of a new phase in his career. He has previously stated that as long as he remains competitive and enjoys playing, he will continue to pursue titles. However, the increasing physical challenges, combined with the emergence of younger rivals, make it harder for him to maintain his dominance.

If Djokovic chooses to prioritize long-term health over short-term competition, he might start reducing his schedule and focusing only on Grand Slam events and key Masters tournaments. This approach worked well for Roger Federer in his later years, but whether Djokovic follows a similar path remains to be seen.

His next steps will be crucial in determining his future trajectory. If he can recover in time for the Sunshine Double, he could reaffirm his status as one of the sport’s toughest competitors. However, if his struggles persist, this could signal a transitional period in his career, where he may need to rethink his approach to competition and training.

What’s Next for Djokovic?

For now, the tennis world waits for official confirmation regarding Djokovic’s fitness status and his plans for Indian Wells and Miami.

• Will he push through the pain and compete?
• Or will he prioritize recovery and risk falling further behind in the rankings?
• Could this be the first real sign of decline for a player who has dominated tennis for over a decade?

Djokovic has built a career on defying the odds, but as he faces one of his biggest physical challenges yet, all eyes are on him to see how he responds. His decision in the coming weeks could shape not only his season but potentially the remainder of his career.

Until then, the tennis world holds its breath, waiting to see whether the legend can rise once again or if the tide is finally turning against him.