Defending champion Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from this year’s ATP Finals due to an “ongoing injury.”
The 37-year-old Serbian star, who holds a record seven titles in this tournament, had already qualified as the season’s sixth top performer on the ATP Tour.
“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to an ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week,” Djokovic wrote on social media. “Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon.”
Djokovic, who holds the record for the most men’s Grand Slam singles titles with 24, will not play again this season. He has not provided details on the nature of his injury.
In 2024, he won 37 of his 46 matches and claimed his sole title at the Olympic Games in Paris, securing the elusive gold medal.
This marks the first season since 2005 where Djokovic has not won an ATP event, and only the fourth time since 2008 that he has not captured one of the four Grand Slam titles.
Last month, Djokovic suggested that participating in the year-end ATP Finals was not his main focus. “I am not chasing ATP Finals; I am not chasing the rankings,” he told Serbian media, reflecting his current priorities.
The former world number one has reiterated his desire to concentrate on the Grand Slam tournaments to extend his career. His next scheduled event is likely to be the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.
In Melbourne, Djokovic will aim to secure a record 25th Grand Slam singles title, surpassing Australia’s Margaret Court, and reach his 100th tour-level trophy.
His absence from the ATP Finals finalizes the lineup for the eight-man tournament in Turin.
Norway’s Casper Ruud, Australia’s Alex de Minaur, and Russia’s Andrey Rublev, who were in contention for the last two spots, have qualified.
Italy’s Jannik Sinner, Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz of the United States had already secured their places.
The tournament is set to take place in Turin, Italy, from November 10-17.
This will be the first time since 2001 that the event does not feature at least one of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, or Djokovic.
