It was recently revealed that Djokovic did not receive any prize money from the ATP prize pool for the 2023 season, which has sparked discontent among tennis fans.
Djokovic topped the 2023 ATP money list with a massive $15952044 prize money.
According to the rules, the ATP prize pool is distributed to the top 30 players at the end of the season, based on the points earned in the Masters and ATP Finals. However, Djokovic did not receive half a penny, but his total prize money is still at the top.
The 36-year-old missed at least three ATP Masters tournaments in 2023 and therefore cannot receive prize money from the prize pool. Vaccine mandates in the United States at the beginning of the year prevented Serbs from competing in Indian Wells and the Miami Masters. Subsequently, he missed the Madrid Open with an elbow injury and missed the Canadian Open.
However, considering the generous prize money that comes with his three Grand Slam titles, the ATP year-end finals and two Masters titles, Djokovic is at the top of the year-end money list anyway.
Djokovic is followed by Carlos Alcaraz with a total income of $15196504, Medvedev in third with $11548023, Sinner in fourth with $10456264 and Rublev in the top five with $6571899.
Djokovic's failure to receive dividends from the prize pool also made foreign tennis fans feel unfair. One fan pointed out that Djokovic's absence from Indian Wells and the Miami Masters was not his own volition, but was caused by external factors.
Djokovic's bonus bonus was reportedly cancelled because he allegedly missed three Masters events, two of which he wanted to play in (Indian Wells and Miami), but was banned from the tournament because he was not vaccinated. How can the ATP count this?" a foreign fan posted.
Meanwhile, other fans were happy that the world No. 1 was at the top of the year-end bonus list, even though everyone felt that the ATP had deprived Djokovic of the dividends he deserved. One fan commented: "When they block you or even strip you, you're still ahead of all the prize totals. ”
Novak Djokovic recently took to social media in a touching post reflecting on his phenomenal 2023 season. The Serb shared a video showing highlights from his season and expressed his heartfelt thanks to those who made it all possible.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion began by thanking his wife, Elena, for her unwavering support and for being the "best mother" to both children while he was out competing. "What a fantastic season it has been. Forever grateful to my wife, who was the best mother to (our) children when I made history with this sport. I felt her support and love from there. Make this historic season possible. Djokovic wrote in his Instagram post.
The world number one also thanked his coaching staff for their invaluable contributions and expressed his excitement for his success. "I would like to congratulate and thank my team for their dedication and efforts. It was another very successful year for the team. We will always remember this year. He wrote, "There were so many memorable moments. The journey for 2024 continues. Looking forward to what's to come. Keep going, up. ”
Before starting the 2024 season, Djokovic will rekindle an exciting confrontation with Alcaraz in a highly anticipated exhibition match in Riyadh on December 27. (Source: Tennis Home Author: Spark)