Athens, Greece – Just moments after securing his 101st career title at the ATP 250 Hellenic Championship in Athens, Novak Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin. The 38-year-old Serbian star defeated Lorenzo Musetti in a grueling three-set final, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5, before making the unexpected announcement via his Instagram account.
Djokovic cited an ongoing injury as the reason for his withdrawal. "I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best, but after today's final in Athens, I'm sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury," he stated. He did not provide specific details regarding the nature of the injury. However, he had been dealing with a leg injury that forced him to retire from a match against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia and also faced issues with his leg, back, and hip at the Shanghai Masters earlier in the season.
Djokovic's withdrawal marks the second consecutive year he has missed the ATP Finals; he also sat out the 2024 tournament. Despite securing a record-equaling 18th qualification for the ATP Finals, tying Roger Federer's record, the Serbian will not be competing for a seventh title at the prestigious year-end event.
His absence paves the way for Italy's Lorenzo Musetti to take his place in the tournament. Musetti, who lost to Djokovic in the Athens final, will now compete in the ATP Finals for the first time, joining Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur in the Jimmy Connors Group.
Djokovic's decision comes after a week of speculation about his participation in the ATP Finals. Initially, the head of Italy's tennis federation, Angelo Binaghi, stated that Djokovic had confirmed his participation. However, Djokovic himself later refuted this, saying that he would make a decision after the Athens tournament.
The timing of the announcement, so soon after his victory in Athens, has led to varied reactions. Some observers believe that Djokovic's withdrawal may be partly motivated by a desire to give Musetti the opportunity to compete in the ATP Finals. Others emphasize the physical toll of the long season and the need for Djokovic to recover and address his injury concerns.
By winning the Hellenic Championship, Djokovic secured his 101st career title, placing him behind only Jimmy Connors (109) and Roger Federer (103) in the Open Era. At 38 years and five months, he also became the oldest ATP champion since Ken Rosewall in 1977. The Athens tournament was also significant as it was the first time the event was held in the Greek capital, where Djokovic has recently moved his home base.
"I'm truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play – your support means so much," Djokovic stated in his withdrawal announcement. "I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can't wait to be back on the court with you all soon". It is expected that Djokovic will make his next appearance at the 2026 Australian Open.
