Djokovic withdraws from finals sealing De Minaur spot
Novak Djokovic announced that he will not play the Nitto ATP Finals, from 10-17 November, ensuring Alex de Minaur becomes the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to play in the showpiece season-ending tournament.
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Djokovic is a seven-time champion at the season finale, but cited injury as the reason for his announcement.
"I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week," Djokovic wrote in an Instagram Story. "Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!"
Djokovic has a 37-9 match record on the year, highlighted by his victory at the Paris Olympics, where he completed the career Golden Slam by winning his 99th tour-level title.
Djokovic, 37, won last year's title in Turin by defeating Jannik Sinner in the final. He first triumphed at the season finale in 2008, when the tournament was known as the Tennis Masters Cup.
Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz had earned their places at the Inalpi Arena ahead of Djokovic’s announcement.