Novak Djokovic makes his return to the ATP Tour this week as he plays at the Basel Open.

Djokovic has accepted a wildcard to play at the Basel Open, which runs alongside another ATP 500 tournament in Vienna. Carlos Alcaraz and Alexander Zverev are playing at the latter, but a long list of high-profile names have committed to the former.

That includes 24-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic, who is doing his utmost to gain more points in the Race to Turin. The Serbian is currently 11th in the ATP Finals standings, with the top eight players securing their places at the year-end event in Italy next month.

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But the 39-year-old has now detailed another reason behind his decision to play at the Basel Open this year. Incidentally, he has already arrived at the venue, and took part in an early training session with Stan Wawrinka, who is playing his final tournament before retirement.

Novak Djokovic believes Basel Open will be easier physically

Having often struggled physically in recent outdoor matches, Djokovic has suggested that he expects fewer difficulties in that area indoors. He told Sportal: “This year I would like to go to Turin. I have a chance, we’ll see.

“Another motivation for adding a tournament this indoor season is because I think it will be easier for me physically indoors because there is no heat, no sun, no external factors that I face when I play outside. It will mean a lot to me and we hope for the best.”

He also confirmed his plans for the rest of 2026 and heading into 2027, revealing: “I will be playing at the Six Kings exhibition in Saudi Arabia. For the next season, I know for sure that I will be in Australia, I will see if I will play a tournament before the Australian Open or not. I will decide in agreement with the team. Now the concentration is to finish the season as well as possible.”

Novak Djokovic’s Basel draw opens up after withdrawals

Djokovic certainly isn’t the only player to have had physical issues this season, and that is now the case for a handful of players in Switzerland. Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Bublik and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina have all withdrawn just before the start of the event.

And while it is very unfortunate for the trio, it should be a boost for the Serbian legend. He was projected to meet Bublik in the quarterfinals, while Tsitsipas and Davidovich Fokina were among his possible final opponents.

Still, he could meet Arthur Fils, Taylor Fritz or Rafael Jodar should he reach the final. And both Ben Shelton and Wawrinka are among his potential semifinal opponents, such is the quality of the field. He will start out against Ugo Humbert on Tuesday.