Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals were in doubt after he limited his schedule and suffered some uncharacteristic, early losses at big tournaments. He later admitted he wasn’t fussed about returning to the season-ending tournament.
“Torino [the ATP Finals] is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings,” the world No. 5 said in September. “As far as I’m concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career.”
Only the eight players who have earned the most ranking points in a single season get a spot in the ATP Finals. Djokovic climbed to sixth in the race but spent last week on a beach in the Maldives, sparking speculation that he’d already secretly ended his season.
He confirmed the theories on Tuesday when he announced his withdrawal, writing: “It’s quite an honour to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.”
The seven-time ATP Finals champion also apologised to the fans who had hoped to see him. The Italian crowd will still have a lot to cheer for – the world No. 1 and title favourite is one of their own, Jannik Sinner.
The two-time Major winner lost to Djokovic in the championship match 12 months ago so it wouldn’t be a surprise if Sinner was happy to see the Serb out of the draw, making things easier.
But the 23-year-old admitted the fans and players would miss Djokovic. “Nole gave so much to the Italian public and people wanted to see him play,” he said at a Lavazza event.
“We are very sorry that he is not here but this is sport, it happens that a player misses tournaments.
“The season has been long and in any case here there are eight great players, we hope it will be a great tournament. Nole will be missed by everyone.”
While it might be a relief for some players not to have Djokovic in the field, Sinner admitted it would be difficult to face anyone given the calibre of the tournament.
Asked who he feared the most, he replied: “Difficult question, they are the eight best of this season, honestly all of them.”
Djokovic’s withdrawal confirmed the final three places in the ATP Finals. Sinner will be joined by Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, Casper Ruud, Alex De Minaur and Andrey Rublev.