Novak Djokovic withdraws from the ATP Finals starting on Sunday, Lorenzo Musetti is in!
Novak Djokovic withdraws from the ATP Finals for an “ongoing injury”. His decision qualifies Lorenzo Musetti, who will play in the Jimmy Connors group with Alcaraz, Fritz and De Minaur.
Novak Djokovic out ATP Finals | © Tennis Majors & PsNewz
Novak Djokovic announced on Saturday that he will withdraw from the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin due to an “ongoing injury”, just minutes after winning the Athens final.
The world number one shared the news in an Instagram story, saying he had been “really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best” but was forced to pull out following his match in Greece.
He did not provide details about the injury. Djokovic showed no visible sign of discomfort during the tournament, though he had retired three weeks earlier during a rankings match at the Six Kings Slam.
Musetti with Alcaraz
His withdrawal opens the door for Italy’s Lorenzo Musetti to qualify for the season-ending event, completing the eight-man field. Losing the final in Athens against Djokovic, Musetti failed to get the 8th ATP ranking that would have meant a direct qualification. But the Italian said that Djokovic has told him about his withdrawal at the net, doing the handshake.
The revised draw places Carlos Alcaraz in the Jimmy Connors group alongside Musetti, Alex de Minaur and Taylor Fritz. The Spaniard will open the ATP Finals on Sunday at 2 pm against De Minaur.
On Friday, the players of his group had said that they totally understood if the Serb took a last minute decision. “Yes, there’s inconveniences, but he’s earned that right in my opinion”, for he’s qualified”, Fritz said.
“He has the right to do it”, Alcaraz highlighted. “He has played this tournament many years. He has won this tournament many years. Obviously, for the promoter, for everything, it’s not the right situation, but it is his decision and we had to go with it and accept it.”
“I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play – your support means so much,” Djokovic also wrote. “I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon.”
Djokovic back at Melbourne ?
Djokovic, who has ruled out imminent retirement, is expected to make his next appearance at the 2026 Australian Open, with no other events confirmed beforehand.
The first substitute at the ATP Finals is now Alexander Bublik, 11th ranked, Jack Draper being back at work after his arm injury that led him to retire at the US Open and to take a two months break. He’ll be back at the UTS Grand Final in one month (5-7 December, London).
