Novak Djokovic withdraws from ATP Finals moments after winning 101st career title

Join the Miguel Delaney team: Inside Football Get exclusive insights and behind-the scenes access to the Miguel Delaney: inside newsletter Football NewsletterJoin the Miguel Delaney inside Football Lorenzo Musetti has qualified for the ATP Finals in place of Novak Djokovic, who withdrew due to a severe shoulder injury. Djokovic defeated Musetti in a three-set, three-hour epic, prevailing 4-6 6-3 7-5, to win the Athens Open for the first time after relocating to Greece with his family earlier this year.Musetti needed to win the Athens Open to qualify for the ATP Finals automatically, but he now joins Felix Auger-Aliassime in completing the eight-player line-up for Turin – thanks to Djokovic’s decision. Djokovic initially denied Musetti a seat in the ATP Finals. He then withdrew from the event (REUTERS).The ATP Finals kick off in Turin this Sunday, and there was always a chance that Djokovic could pull out.He had been scheduled to compete in his first match Monday. Djokovic never mentioned the ATP Finals either during his interview on the court or during the award ceremony. However, he did laugh with Musetti when he won the match. “An incredible battle… Three hours of a gruelling match, physically,” Djokovic has said. “It could have been anybody’s match, so congrats to Lorenzo for an amazing performance. I’m just very proud of myself to get through this one.”“Novak, there are not many words to say about you and your career,” Musetti, said “You are proving, still at your age, that you can kick us, like me today. Every time I share the court with you, I take it as a lesson, so thanks for that.”Djokovic’s second title of the season, after winning his 100th ATP Tour tournament at the Geneva Open in May, means the Serbian is now only two titles behind Roger Federer’s total of 103. open image in galleryDjokovic celebrates with the trophy (REUTERS)There are only three men to have won over 100 titles in the Open era, with Jimmy Conners holding the overall men’s record with his 109 singles titles. Djokovic had qualified for the ATP Finals for a record-equalling 18th time but he also withdrew from last year’s tournament, citing an injury, and was wearing shoulder strapping in Greece. Musetti replaces Djokovic and will join Carlos Alcaraz in a draw with Taylor Fritz, Alex de Minaur and Alex de Minaur. Jannik Siner will take on Alexander Zverev Ben Shelton Auger-Aliassime. “Lorenzo Musetti will compete in the ATP Finals for the first time following Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal due to a shoulder injury,” The ATP Tour announced. “Musetti will replace Djokovic in the Jimmy Connors Group as a direct acceptance. Alexander Bublik is now the first alternate and a second singles alternate will be confirmed in due course.”
2025-11-08 19:45:44