Novak Djokovic’s participation in the ATP Finals had remained uncertain after he withdrew from the recent Paris Masters – but an update has now been given
Novak Djokovic is currently competing at the Hellenic Championship in Athens(Image: ( Clive Brunskill/Getty Images))
The president of the Italian Tennis Federation has confirmed Novak Djokovic’s participation in the upcoming ATP Finals. The Serb has not played a match since he retired in the middle of a third-place playoff at the Six Kings Slam exhibition last month.
He then withdrew from the recent Paris Masters, but Angelo Binaghi has now quashed any fears that Djokovic will pull out of the upcoming ATP Finals. Speaking to Italian radio channel Rai Gr Parlamento on Monday, he said: “We have confirmation that Djokovic will be in Turin.”
For now, the 24-time Grand Slam champion is focused on this week’s Hellenic Championship. His brother, Djordje, is the tournament director, and the ATP 250 event takes place in his new home, Athens.
Djokovic received a bye directly into the second round, where he faces Alejandro Tabilo. The Chilean star has an unbeaten 2-0 record against the world No. 5, including a win at this year’s Monte-Carlo Masters.
It will be Djokovic’s first match since he retired from the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia. After losing a 75-minute first set to Taylor Fritz, he threw in the towel and told the crowd: “Now it’s time to rest and really address some of the issues I have with my body.”
READ MORE: Emma Raducanu handed a reprieve as Brit’s world ranking tanks at key momentREAD MORE: How Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner are already showing up Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
And if the 38-year-old is committed to the ATP Finals, it means there is one final spot up for grabs in Turin. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti are currently fighting it out to be the last man to qualify.
Only the eight players who have earned the most ranking points this season get to qualify. Auger-Aliassime sits in eighth place after reaching the Paris Masters final, but Musetti can overtake him if he claims the trophy in Athens this week.
Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti at the end of their Davis Cup match(Image: ( JORGE GUERRERO/AFP via Getty Images))
Auger-Aliassime was expected to compete in another ATP 250 event in Metz, where he could have extended his lead over Musetti in the race and put his fate in his own hands. However, he withdrew after finishing as runner-up in Paris.
Some questioned whether the Canadian knew Djokovic might not be playing the ATP Finals, which would allow both Auger-Aliassime and Musetti to get in. But it will now be up to Musetti to lift his first ATP Tour title and book his place in Turin.
Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to win the ATP Finals last year when he beat American Taylor Fritz 6-4 6-4 . Sinner, who won the Australian Open and the US Open last year, pocketed £3.8m as a result of his victory.
And speaking after his win, he said: “It’s amazing. It’s been an amazing week – my first title in Italy and it’s something very, very special.
“I tried to play the best possible tennis I can. That was the key. It was a very high-level tournament from my side and at times I couldn’t play better so I’m very happy.
“Honestly, I have surprised myself the whole year at times, but in my mind I know how much work I put in and how many sacrifices I have made to be in this position. I just try to play in the present moment.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
£43
£35
Sky
Get the deal here
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
