"Sorry to everyone" - Novak Djokovic issues statement after withdrawing from Paris Masters 2024
Novak Djokovic confirmed reports of his withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Masters by issuing a statement. The Serb, a record winner at the Masters 1000 event, hopes to return next year.
Djokovic's 2024 season has been a rollercoaster. He underwent knee surgery in June and suffered a heartbreaking loss to Carlos Alcaraz in the Wimbledon final in July. However, he quickly bounced back in August, defeating Alcaraz in the Paris Olympics final to secure his long-awaited gold medal.
Following the Olympics, Djokovic enjoyed his celebratory period, only returning to compete in the US Open and Shanghai Masters.
Most recently, he participated in the Six Kings Slam exhibition, where he claimed third place by defeating longtime rival Rafael Nadal, who will retire after the Davis Cup Finals in the coming weeks.
Shortly after the event, reports surfaced that Djokovic had withdrawn from the Paris Masters. The Serb confirmed this news on Instagram on Wednesday, October 23. He wrote:
"Unfortunately I won't be playing @rolexparismasters this year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me play there. Wishing all the players, sponsors, organisers and fans a great tournament. I have a lot of great memories winning seven titles there and hope to be back with you next year."
Djokovic is a record seven-time winner of the event and the only player to defend the title. He also won the title last year.
Paris Masters tournament director reacts to Novak Djokovic's withdrawal
Tournament director of the Paris Masters Cedric Pioline believes Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal may have stemmed from the fact that he is 37 and has already achieved his objective for the year.
"He is the defending champion... But he is 37 years old if I am not mistaken. He has had a complicated year physically since he had a meniscus operation just before Wimbledon," Pioline told Eurosport.
"He won the Olympic Games, it is his only title but that was the objective, so objective achieved. I think he has reached a stage in his career where he manages his schedule as his body asks him to manage it," he added.
It’s uncertain whether Djokovic’s withdrawal signals the end of his 2024 season. While he may still qualify for the ATP Finals, the Serb could skip the event and focus on returning fresh for the Australian swing in 2025.
It wouldn’t be surprising if he prioritizes returning fully prepared to chase his 25th Grand Slam in January.