Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals due to an ongoing injury. The 37-year-old Serbian, who has won a record seven titles at the prestigious event, had already qualified as the sixth-best player of the season. Djokovic confirmed the news on social media, expressing his disappointment and apologizing to fans who were expecting to see him play. He wished all the players a great tournament and hinted that he would focus on Grand Slam events moving forward, with the Australian Open in January likely to be his next tournament.
Djokovic’s withdrawal secures the eight-man field for the ATP Finals in Turin, with Norway’s Casper Ruud, Australia’s Alex de Minaur, and Russia’s Andrey Rublev clinching the final spots. They join Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, and American Taylor Fritz, who had already qualified. The tournament will take place from November 10-17 in Italy. Djokovic, who has 24 Grand Slam singles titles, is now focusing on extending his career with an eye on winning a record 25th major at the Australian Open.