Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year, with the Serb announcing the news after securing his 101st career title in a gruelling three-hour final at the Hellenic Championship.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner confirmed that a shoulder injury will prevent him from competing in Turin, where the season ending tournament for the top eight men’s players is due to begin on Sunday.
Djokovic announced his decision in a statement released on social media.
“I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” he said. “It is never easy stepping away, especially from a tournament that means a great deal to me.”
TRENDING
Stories
Videos
Your Say
The withdrawal opens the door for Lorenzo Musetti to enter the field as the replacement, a bitter twist given that the Italian had been denied qualification by his defeat to Djokovic in Saturday’s final.
Felix Auger Aliassime had initially taken the final spot, only to lose it hours later.
Djokovic has long held a special connection to the ATP Finals, winning the title seven times across his career.
Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals for the second consecutive year, with the Serb announcing the news after securing his 101st career title in a gruelling three-hour final at the Hellenic Championship
|REUTERS
Novak Djokovic has won more Grand Slam titles than any other player in history
|GBNEWS
His first triumph came in 2008 when he defeated Nikolay Davydenko in Shanghai, signalling his arrival among the sport’s dominant forces.
He later won four consecutive Finals titles between 2012 and 2015, beating Roger Federer in 2012 and 2015, Rafael Nadal in 2013 and benefiting from Federer’s withdrawal ahead of the title match in 2014.
More recently, Djokovic returned to the summit of the event with victories over Casper Ruud and Jannik Sinner in two of the most tactically precise indoor performances of the modern era.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
Lorenzo Musetti will replace Novak Djokovic at the ATP Finals in Turin
|REUTERS
His seven titles are a record, establishing him as the most successful player in the tournament’s history.
Saturday’s final at the Hellenic Championship demonstrated both his resilience and the increasing physical demands of competition at the age of 38.
Djokovic rallied from a set down to defeat Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, extending his exceptional record in finals and setting a men’s tennis milestone with his 72nd title on hard courts, surpassing Federer.
The contest was notable for its intensity and prolonged physical exchanges, with the final set alone featuring five service breaks.
Djokovic eventually sealed victory with a clean service winner.
“An incredible battle,” he said afterwards. “Three hours of a grueling match, physically. I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.”
Novak Djokovic has won a staggering 101 singles titles
|REUTERS
Musetti, who has now lost his last six tour level finals, was left to reflect on what had been one of his strongest performances of the year despite the result.
Djokovic’s withdrawal shifts the complexion of the ATP Finals draw, removing the most accomplished indoor competitor in the sport’s history from the field.
For Musetti, the late call up offers a rare opportunity at the highest level.
For Djokovic, the decision reflects careful management of his fitness in the closing stages of a season that has already seen him surpass yet another set of career milestones.