"Wtf is Novak Djokovic doing; he won't qualify to Turin"; "Got gold and ready to retire" - Fans shocked by Serb's Paris Masters withdrawal

Tennis fans were shocked to learn about Novak Djokovic's withdrawal from the 2024 Paris Masters. The ATP Masters 1000 hardcourt tournament starts on October 28 and will run until November 3. It will take place at Accor Arena in Paris, France.

Djokovic recently participated in the exhibition tournament, the Six Kings Slam in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He and Rafael Nadal received a bye to the semifinals. In the final four, the Serb faced eventual champion Jannik Sinner and lost 2-6, 7-6(0), 4-6. However, he managed to bounce back, securing a 6-2, 7-6(5) victory over Nadal to win the third-place match.

Djokovic was scheduled to defend his title at the 2024 Paris Masters following his appearance at the Six Kings Slam. However, it was recently reported that the 24-time Grand Slam champion has withdrawn from the ATP Masters 1000 tournament. The former World No. 1 holds the record for the most title wins at the event, having won seven times - in 2009, 2013-15, 2019, 2021, and 2023.

The news of Novak Djokovic's withdrawal left fans shocked and disappointed and they took to social media to share their opinions. One expressed surprise at his withdrawal as it would result in him losing points (he currently has 3,910) required to qualify for the 2024 ATP Finals:

"Bro wtf is he doing he won't qualify to Turin with his current points 💀 💀 😭 "

"I hate not seeing my idol play but I understand that he has done everything. I only hope he gets back the drive to compete for one last dance. Let’s Go @DjokerNole," another wrote.

"Looks like we’ve seen the last of Novak Djokovic playing a close to full schedule," a third fan said.

One fan joked that the former World No. 1 is not interested in playing in any other tournament since winning the gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics:

"Got that gold medal and ready to retire 😭 "

Another said the 24-time Grand Slam champion may have withdrawn from the Paris Masters to prepare for the 2025 Australian Open:

"Nole got everything. All he needs is rest and a good prep for AO."

"Don't want to lose again 🎾 ," a fan posted.

"Wow his ranking for AO 2025 is gonna be low 😬 ," yet another wrote.

His withdrawal could make securing his spot in the season-ending tournament more challenging, especially with players like Casper Ruud, who is only 65 points behind the Serb, and Andrey Rublev, who is just 240 points behind, vying for Djokovic's position.

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Novak Djokovic won the Paris Masters in 2023

Novak Djokovic with the 2023 Paris Masters trophy [Source: Getty]

Novak Djokovic was the top seed at the 2023 Paris Masters and began his campaign in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. He started strong by defeating Tomas Martin Etcheverry 6-3, 6-2 in the opening match, and then overcame Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-4 in the third round.

The Serb continued his impressive run by triumphing over sixth seed Holger Rune 7-5, 6-7(3), 6-4, and fifth seed Andrey Rublev 5-7, 7-6(3), 7-5 in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

In the final, Djokovic won against Grigor Dimitrov 6–4, 6–3 to secure his seventh Paris Masters title and 40th Masters title overall.

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