Djokovic withdraws from ATP finals due to injury, Musetti to participate – Tennis Now
Lorenzo Musetti was dropped from the end-of-season tournament shortly after Novak Djokovic won his 101st career title in Athens, with the Serbian icon announcing his withdrawal from the event.
Musetti was eventually named due to Djokovic’s withdrawal and will take his place in the eight-man roster in Turin next week, along with Carlos Alcaraz, Yannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alex De Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The ATP Tour announced the news shortly after the awards ceremony in Athens.
Musetti will make his debut at the ATP Finals, which means that for the first time in the history of the event, two Italian players will appear on the court.
Musetti will replace Djokovic in the Jimmy Connors Group as an immediate acceptance. Alexander Bublik is now the first substitute.
Musetti is having the best season of his career as the 23-year-old reaches his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo. He went on to reach the semi-finals in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros, cementing his place in the race for Turin.
Here’s the panel following today’s news:
Djokovic tied with Roger Federer and advanced to the ATP final for the 18th time. The official reason for his withdrawal was a shoulder injury.
“I was really looking forward to playing in Turin and doing my best, but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sorry to tell everyone that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” the 24-time Grand Slam champion wrote on social media. “To the fans who were hoping to see me play, I’m really sorry – your support means a lot. I wish all the players a great tournament and I can’t wait to get back on the court with you soon!”
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