Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals due to a “lingering injury”.
The 37-year-old Serbian, who won a record seven titles at the event, had already qualified as the sixth best player on the ATP Tour this season.
“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to a lingering injury I will not be playing next week,” Djokovic wrote on social media.
“My apologies to those who had planned to see me. I wish all the players a good tournament. See you soon.”
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, indicated last month that playing in the tour’s year-end finals was not a priority.
“I don’t chase the ATP Finals, I don’t chase the rankings,” said Djokovic, who beat current world number one Jannik Sinner to win the title last year. told Serbian journalists.
The former world number one reiterated that he wants to focus on Grand Slam tournaments as he looks to prolong his career.
This means his next tournament will likely be the Australian Open, which begins on January 12.
In Melbourne, Djokovic will aim for an all-time record 25th major singles title – putting him ahead of Australian Margaret Court – and a 100th trophy at tour level.
His withdrawal from the ATP Finals means the eight-man field for the Turin tournament is set.
Norway Casper Ruud, Australia Alex de Minaur and Russia Andrei Rublev, who seemed ready to engage in an exciting battle this week for the last two places, have thus qualified.
Italy Jannik Sinner, Spain Carlos Alcaraz, Germany Alexander Zverev, Russia Daniel Medvedev And Taylor Fritz of the United States had already won their place.
The tournament takes place in the Italian city from November 10 to 17.
