Djokovic withdrawals from the ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic has pulled out of this year’s ATP Finals, confirming that due to “ongoing injury” he won’t be able to compete in Turin.

The 37-year-old Serbian star’s absence has set the field for the 2024 event, which will feature Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz. Casper Ruud and Alex de Minaur are expected to join them, with Grigor Dimitrov and Stefanos Tsitsipas as alternates.

“It’s quite an honour to qualify for the @nittoatpfinals in Turin,” Djokovic wrote on social media, accompanied by a praying hands emoji. “I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.

“Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!”

Djokovic, 37, won last year’s title in Italy by defeating Sinner in the final and is a seven-time champion of the season finale. But he won’t get to defend his crown due to fitness concerns.

He had been a doubt to compete after pulling out of the recent Paris Masters and was spotted on holiday in the Maldives, having taken a more relaxed approach to playing high-level tournaments outside of the Majors.