Seven-time Nitto ATP Finals champion Novak Djokovic confirmed on Tuesday that he will not return to defend his title at the year-ending event in Turin next week due to an ongoing injury.
For the first time in 23 years, the prestigious season-ending tournament, the Nitto ATP Finals, will lack the presence of a member of the Big 3.
Defending champion Novak Djokovic, who had qualified for the event, confirmed on Tuesday his withdrawal due to an ongoing injury.
In a story he shared through his Instagram account, the Serbian wrote: “It’s quite an honor to qualify for the @nittoatpfinals in Turin. I was really looking forward to being there, but due to an ongoing injury, I won’t be playing next week.
“Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!
Therefore, the field featuring the world’s best eight qualified singles players and doubles teams is complete.
World number one Jannik Sinner, the first Italian to achieve the ATP Year-End No. 1, leads the way.
On Tuesday, the 23-year-old completed his first practice at the Inalpi Arena on home soil.
Sinner was an alternate at the event in 2021 when he stepped in for injured countryman Matteo Berrettini, upsetting seven-seeded Hubert Hurkacz on debut.
Two-time champion Alexander Zverev, world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, 2020 winner Daniil Medvedev, and US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz will return for the 2024 edition.
Meanwhile, 2022 finalist Casper Ruud, Australian Alex de Minaur - making his debut - and Andrey Rublev, who qualified for his fifth consecutive appearance, will join them in Turin from November 10-17.
After winning his opening match at the Moselle Open on Tuesday against Italian Lorenzo Sonego, Rublev received treatment from the on-site medical staff, suspecting an abdominal injury.
The World No. 9 decided to withdraw from the tournament, traveling to Turin, where he will continue a recovery treatment.
This year’s season finale will have World No. 10 Grigor Dimitrov and Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas as alternates.
“Many congratulations to all the players who’ve earned the right to battle for the last title of the season at the 2024 Nitto ATP Finals,” ATP Chairman Andrea Gaudenzi outlined.
“After an incredible year, the best in tennis is headed to Turin for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. With the biggest winner’s prize purse on the men’s tour and one of the sport’s most prestigious titles on the line, this event is the ultimate stage to cap off a thrilling season.”
The Nitto ATP Finals offers $15.25 million in prize money; if unbeaten, the singles champion earns a record-breaking $4.8 million, the largest winner’s prize on the men’s tour.
If a doubles team emerges victorious without losing a match, it will split $959,300 in prize money.
The doubles field features the duo Marcelo Arevalo/Mate Pavic, Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos, Wesley Koolhof/Nikola Mektic, and Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori.
Max Purcell/Jordan Thompson, Rohan Bopanna/Matthew Ebden, Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten, and Kevin Krawietz/Tim Puetz will also battle for the title.
The draw ceremony will take place on Thursday.
