Seven-time champion Novak Djokovic withdrew from the eight-man ATP Finals in Turin on Tuesday. The 37-year-old Serbian, who beat Jannik Sinner in the 2023 final to become the tournament’s most successful player, cited injury to explain his absence from the week-long event which begins on November 10.
“I was really looking forward to being there,” Djokovic said on social media.
“But due to a lingering injury, I won’t play next week.
“Sorry to those who were planning to see me. I wish all players a good tournament. See you soon ! »
Djokovic’s withdrawal confirmed the participation of Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev.
Jannik Sinner, winner of the Australian Open and the US Open this year, will be seeded, Alexander Zverev, winner of the Paris Masters on November 3, will be second seed. Carlos Alcaraz, who won the French Open and Wimbledon in the spring and summer, will be the third seed.
Question marks were raised over Djokovic’s presence in Italy upon his withdrawal from the Paris Masters.
He did not give the precise reasons for his absence from the event in the French capital, which he won seven times.
Djokovic will finish the 2024 season with only the men’s singles gold medal at the Paris Olympics.
The end-of-season championships, contested since 1970, are considered one of the most prestigious trophies on the senior circuit.
Stan Smith won the inaugural event in Tokyo despite it being a round robin format. Since moving to round robin and knockout competitions, other champions have included Pete Sampras, John McEnroe, Boris Becker, Ivan Lendl and Roger Federer.
