Defending ATP Finals champion Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from the season-ending event in Turin due to injury, the Serbian announced on Tuesday.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion's absence ensures that Norway's Casper Ruud, Australian Alex de Minaur, and Russian Andrey Rublev are guaranteed spots in the eight-man tournament, regardless of their performances this week.
Djokovic, 37, shared on Instagram, 'I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week. Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!'
De Minaur, who narrowly missed qualifying after his loss to Holger Rune in the Paris Masters quarter-finals, will make his debut in the prestigious event, often considered the pinnacle of the ATP calendar.
Joining him will be world number one Jannik Sinner, two-time winner Alexander Zverev, four-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz, former U.S. Open champion Daniil Medvedev, and American Taylor Fritz.
The ATP Finals, held at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, offer a total prize pool of $15.25 million, including $4.88 million for an undefeated singles champion. The eight top doubles pairings of the season will also compete in Turin.
Djokovic, ranked world number five, secured a record seventh title at the season-ending tournament last year, defeating home favorite Sinner in the final. Despite not adding to his Grand Slam tally this year, he claimed his first Olympic gold medal by beating Spain's Alcaraz in Paris.
Source link: https://www.khaleejtimes.com
