Ongoing Injury Forces Withdrawal
Novak Djokovic has officially withdrawn from the ATP Finals 2024, scheduled to take place from November 10 to 17 in Turin, Italy. The 37-year-old Serbian star announced on Instagram that he was unable to recover in time from an ongoing injury. This marks a significant disappointment for Djokovic, who won the tournament in 2023 after defeating Jannik Sinner in the final.
Impact on Djokovic’s Season
Djokovic also missed the recent Paris Masters, following his last appearance at the Shanghai Masters, where he was defeated by Sinner in the final. The withdrawal signifies a tough end to a challenging season for Djokovic, who did not secure any Grand Slam titles this year and lost his No.1 ranking to Sinner after the French Open.
Djokovic’s Statement
In his Instagram post, Djokovic expressed his regret over missing the tournament, stating, “It’s quite an honour to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.” He apologized to fans and wished the participating players a great tournament, indicating his desire to return soon.
ATP Finals Landscape
With Djokovic’s withdrawal, several top players will be competing for the title, including Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz. Other qualifiers include Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev, and Alex de Minaur.
Doubles Competition
The doubles field also features strong pairings, including Simone Bolelli & Andrea Vavassori, Max Purcell & Jordan Thompson, and Rohan Bopanna & Matthew Ebden, among others.
Looking Ahead
Djokovic’s absence from the ATP Finals leaves a notable gap in the competition as he aims to recover fully for the upcoming season. His focus will likely shift toward regaining fitness and preparing for future tournaments, including potential participation in the Olympic Games, where he clinched his first gold medal earlier this year.
