Novak Djokovic Withdraws from ATP Finals Due to Injury

Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals, citing an “ongoing injury.” Djokovic, who secured his only title in 2024 at the Olympics, finished the ATP’s Race to Turin this season in sixth position. The 37-year-old Serbian player, a record seven-time winner of the event, had already secured his qualification as the sixth highest-ranked player on the ATP Tour for the current season. On social media, Djokovic stated: “I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.” He further added: “Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon.” Djokovic, the holder of a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, will conclude his season without further play. The specific nature of his injury has not been disclosed by him. In 2024, he achieved victory in 37 out of 46 matches, with his sole title coming from the Olympic Games in Paris, where he secured the gold medal he had not previously won. This marks the first season since 2005 without an ATP event win for him, and only the fourth since 2008 in which he has not claimed one of the four Grand Slam titles. Last month, Djokovic had previously indicated that participation in the tour’s year-end finals was not a primary objective. Speaking to Serbian reporters, Djokovic, who defeated current world number one Jannik Sinner to secure last year’s title, stated: “I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings.” The former world number one reaffirmed his intention to prioritize Grand Slams as part of his strategy to extend his professional career. His subsequent tournament appearance is anticipated to be at the Australian Open, commencing on 12 January. At the Melbourne event, Djokovic will pursue an unprecedented 25th major singles title, surpassing Australia’s Margaret Court, and his 100th tour-level trophy. His departure from the ATP Finals confirms the complete eight-player lineup for the Turin tournament. Consequently, Norway’s Casper Ruud, Australia’s Alex de Minaur, and Russia’s Andrey Rublev, who were expected to contend for the remaining two spots this week, have now qualified. Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz from the United States had previously secured their positions. The competition is scheduled to occur in the Italian city from 10-17 November. This marks the first occasion since 2001 that the event will proceed without the participation of at least one of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Djokovic.