Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the season-ending ATP Finals due to injury, meaning Australian Alex de Minaur is through to the coveted event.
The record 24-times grand slam champion confirmed his non-participation on Tuesday.
The 37-year-old Serbian also withdrew from the Paris Masters, which was won by world No.2 Alexander Zverev on Sunday.
Djokovic, who won his first Olympic gold medal at the Paris Games in August, won last year’s ATP Finals title by defeating two-time major winner Jannik Sinner in the final.
“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week,” Djokovic posted on his Instagram Story.
“Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!”
The top eight players in the world are set to do battle at the ATP Finals from November 10-17 in Turin, Italy.
Sinner, Zverev, four-times grand slam winner Carlos Alcaraz, former US Open champion Daniil Medvedev and American Taylor Fritz have already booked their spots.
Djokovic’s withdrawal means Casper Ruud (3,855 points), de Minaur (3,745 points) and Andrey Rublev (3720) will make up the rest of the field.
https://thewest.com.au/sport/tennis/djokovic-withdraws-from-atp-finals-aussie-de-minaur-in-c-16650314
