Tennis

Novak Djokovic Withdraws From ATP Finals

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wendioliveros
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wendioliveros Sports Editor

Wendi Oliveros is a diehard tennis fan that is known to set her clock at ridiculous hours to watch live action especially during the Australian Open. She is known for indulging in strawberries and cream during Wimbledon and has watched the US Open live several times.

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Sports Editor

Published3 hours ago on November 05, 2024

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Novak Djokovic

37-year-old Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from next week’s ATP Finals event in Turin, Italy citing an injury issue.  Djokovic is the seven-time ATP Finals champion and the two-time defending champion.

Djokovic’s 2024 season did not result in any Grand Slam wins, so he remains at 24 for his career. However, he did add one elusive item to his voluminous resume: the Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics at Roland Garros this summer.

That title made the knee injury and everything he had to do to get match-ready in a short timespan worth it.

The Nature of Novak Djokovic’s Injury Is Unclear

Djokovic shared the news on social media and did not offer specifics on his injury.  Is it lingering issues with the knee?

He called it an “ongoing injury” seemingly indicating it is related to the knee issue that plagued him most of the year.

Novak Djokovic Concludes Message on High Note

Fans concerned that the tennis world could lose Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic to retirement at the end of 2024 should be encouraged that is not the plan.  Djokovic concluded his message by saying, “See you soon.”

That could mean that Djokovic plans to be in Melbourne for the Australian Open in January 2025.  He is the 10-time champion of the event.  Djokovic ends the season ranked World No. 6.  It is the first time since 2006 he is outside of the Top 5.

Djokovic would like to regain his 2023 prowess that allowed him to win three of the four Grand Slams last year (Australian Open, French Open, and US Open).

Tennis has gotten younger with the success and rise of Jannik Sinner and Carlos Sinner, both in their early 20s.  Alexander Zverev is also resurging and hungry for the Grand Slam that has eluded him for years.

Who takes Novak Djokovic’s spot at the ATP Finals?

With Djokovic’s withdrawal, only five players have qualified.  Three spots are up for grabs, and Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev, and Grigor Dimitrov are in the running.

The four players are competing in ATP 250 tournaments this week so it will come down to the wire.  Ruud, Rublev, and Dmitrov are in the Round of 16 at Metz while de Minaur is in the Round of 16 in Belgrade.