Shortly after Novak Djokovic won his 101st career title in Athens – a victory that eliminated Lorenzo Musetti from qualifying for the final championship of the season – the Serbian icon announced his withdrawal from the event.
Musetti is at the bottom, with Djokovic’s withdrawal, and will take his place in the eight-man field in Turin next week alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The news was announced by the ATP Tour immediately after the trophy ceremony in Athens.
Musetti will make his ATP Finals debut, meaning two Italians will populate the field for the first time in the event’s history.
Musetti will replace Djokovic in the Jimmy Connors Group as a direct acceptance. Alexander Bublik now it is the first option.
This has been the best season of Musetti’s career, with the 23-year-old reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte-Carlo. Then he went to the semi-finals in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros to enter into the quarrel of Turin.
These are the groups behind today’s news:
Djokovic equaled Roger Federer by qualifying for the ATP Finals for the 18th time. His official reason for withdrawal is a shoulder injury.
“I was looking forward to racing in Turin and giving my best, but after today’s final in Athens, I am sad to share that I have to retire due to an ongoing injury,” the 24-time champion wrote on social media. “I’m really sorry for the fans who were hoping to see me play – your support means a lot. I wish all the players a fantastic tournament and I can’t wait to get back on the pitch with you all soon!”
