Novak Djokovic ATP Finals Withdrawal Speculation: Tennis insider makes big prediction after Serb's Paris Masters decision
Novak Djokovic released a statement confirming his withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Masters a few days ago. A well-known tennis insider has now suggested that the Serb may also pull out of the ATP Finals in case he qualifies.
Guido Monaco, a Eurosport journalist, expressed the "general feeling" around Djokovic's ATP Finals participation during his appearance on the most recent episode of TennisMania. Monaco stated that it would make sense for the Serb to not go to Turin.
"The general feeling is that Djokovic will not participate, even though skipping the Finals is unusual. Many would do whatever it takes to qualify. For him, it makes sense not to go," Monaco said (translated from Italian).
"From a sponsorship perspective, I am puzzled; it's a showcase, and many bonuses are tied to participation. As of today, we would be surprised to see him in Turin. Without him, even Musetti has a mathematical chance of qualifying for the Finals," he added.
Djokovic's success at the Paris Masters and the ATP Finals is a testament to his ability to deliver even at the end of long seasons. He is a record title holder (7) at the finals Masters 1000 of the year and also the record winner (7) of the year-end championships.
However, following his participation in the Six Kings Slam exhibition event, where he faced Rafael Nadal for the final time in his career, the Serb announced his withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Masters.
"Unfortunately I won't be playing @rolexparismasters this year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me play there," Djokovic wrote on his Instagram.
"Torino is not my goal at all" - ATP Finals not on Novak Djokovic's priority list
Novak Djokovic informed reporters of his future plans during his Davis Cup participation in September. The 37-year-old explained that playing in the ATP Finals was not his goal anymore. Djokovic further asserted that his main priority was to represent his country and play at Grand Slams.
"Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest, I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings etc," he said. "As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career. Whether I will play other tournaments this year or in the future, I can't say right now."
As for the ATP Finals qualification, the 24-time Grand Slam winner occupies the sixth spot in the Race to Turin. The Serb is followed by Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev and Alex de Minaur in a close battle for the final two qualification spots.