Defending champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the ATP Finals due to a “persistent injury”.
The 37-year-old Serbian, who has 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 an ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week,” Djokovic wrote on social media.
“Apologies to those who planned to see me. I wish all players a great tournament. See you soon.”
Djokovic, who has won a record 24 Grand Slam men’s singles titles, indicated last month that participating in the tour’s year-end finals was not a priority.
“I’m not looking for the ATP Finals, I’m not looking for the rankings,” Djokovic, who defeated current world number one Jannik Sinner to win the title last year, told Serbian reporters.
The former world number one reiterated that he wants to focus on the Grand Slams as he wants to extend his career.
It means his next tournament will likely be the Australian Open, which starts on January 12.
In Melbourne, Djokovic is aiming for a record 25th major singles title of all time – eclipsing Australia’s Margaret Court – and a 100th tour-level trophy.
His withdrawal from the ATP Finals means the eight-man field for the tournament in Turin has been set.
That of Norway Casper Ruud, Australia Alex de Minaur and that of Russia Andrei Rublev, who seemed ready for an exciting battle for the last two places this week, has therefore qualified.
Italy Jannik Sinner, Spain Carlos Alcaraz, Germany Alexander Zverev, That of Russia Daniel Medvedev And Taylor Fritz of the United States had already secured their place.
The tournament will take place from November 10 to 17 in the Italian city.
