FILE–Serbia’s Novak Djokovic withdraws from the ATP Finals citing injury. (Photo by Fayez NURELDINE / AFP)
BELGRADE, Serbia— Novak Djokovic won’t defend his ATP Finals title after ruling himself out Tuesday citing an injury, leaving the season-ending event without a member of the Big Three of men’s tennis for the first time in 23 years.
“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week,” Djokovic wrote on social media, without specifying what the problem is. “Apologies to those who were planning to see me.”
Article continues after this advertisementThe eight-man tournament begins Sunday in Turin, Italy.
FEATURED STORIES SPORTS RESULTS: PBA Finals Ginebra vs TNT Game 5 November 6 SPORTS PBA Finals: ‘No excuses’ for Ginebra after crushing Game 5 loss SPORTS PBA Finals: TNT rebounds with Ginebra demolition for 3-2 leadREAD: Novak Djokovic: ‘I still plan to compete and play next season’
Djokovic has won the ATP Finals a record seven times. He beat current No. 1 Jannik Sinner for the title last year.
Article continues after this advertisementRoger Federer, who announced his retirement in 2022, won the event six times after making his debut in 2002; Rafael Nadal, who is retiring after playing in the Davis Cup this month, was the runner-up twice at the ATP Finals but never won it.
Article continues after this advertisementNot since 2001 has the tournament been held without at least one of Djokovic, Federer or Nadal. This season also was the first since 2002 without at least one Grand Slam title for a member of that trio.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: Novak Djokovic admits to ‘worst tennis ever’ in shock US Open exit
Djokovic finishes the year with a 37-9 record but only one tournament championship: his first Olympic gold medal, which came at the Paris Games in August. That was his 99th tour-level title.
Article continues after this advertisementDjokovic did not add to his men’s-record 24 Grand Slam trophies in 2024 and dealt with a torn meniscus in his right knee that required surgery and forced him to withdraw from the French Open before the quarterfinals. After bowing out of the U.S. Open in the third round, he played one Davis Cup match and then reached the final of the Shanghai Masters last month, losing to Sinner. He withdrew from the Paris Masters.
Joining Sinner in Turin will be Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur and Andrey Rublev.
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“Wishing all the players a great tournamentwinph,” Djokovic said. “See you soon!”
READ NEXT UAAP: La Salle keeps Final Four bid going with win over FEU NBA: Anthony Davis says Lakers must be better amid injury conc... EDITORS' PICK Marcos extends congratulations to Trump, eager to strengthen PH-US ties Marce maintains strength over Cagayan waters; Signal No. 3 up in 2 areas 12 standout works at Art Taipei 2024 Tulfo confirms passenger of SUV on busway is related to a senator Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election NBA: Anthony Davis says Lakers must be better amid injury concerns MOST READ Comelec: 12 more bets file COCs for BARRM polls INQToday: Trump claims victory over Harris in US presidential election Tulfo confirms passenger of SUV on busway is related to a senator What's next for Fil-Am family petitions if Trump wins? Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments