Novak Djokovic, a seven-time ATP Finals winner, has pulled out of the season’s finale in Turin due to a shoulder injury. This decision came just hours after he secured his 101st title at the Hellenic Championship.
Lorenzo Musetti, who reached the finals, will replace Djokovic in Turin. The ATP Finals kick off on Sunday, following Djokovic’s nearly three-hour battle to defeat Musetti 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.
“I was eager to compete in Turin and give my all,” Djokovic shared on social media.
“Unfortunately, after today’s final in Athens, I must withdraw due to a recurring injury,” he added.
Last year, Djokovic also missed the season-ending event due to an injury, despite clinching his seventh title in 2023.
The 38-year-old revealed he has been coping with the injury throughout the Athens tournament.
“I delayed my decision about Turin because I wanted to assess my condition during the matches,” he explained to reporters.
“After yesterday’s match, I hoped it wouldn’t worsen. However, today, even before the match, the pain was significant. I had to rely on strong medications to compete.
“I realized I couldn’t sustain the high level of tennis required in Turin against the world’s top eight players.”
Musetti, needing a victory over Djokovic to surpass Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime for tournament qualification, will now join the Jimmy Connors Group. Alexander Bublik becomes the first alternate.
This event marks the first time two Italian singles players have qualified for the same ATP Finals edition, and it’s Musetti’s debut appearance.
