Djokovic confirms participation in ATP Finals
Novak Djokovic will compete at next week’s ATP Finals in Turin, ending speculation over his fitness and confirming his return to one of tennis’s most prestigious stages, reports BritPanorama.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion recently withdrew from the Paris Masters, raising concerns about his fitness after he struggled with a leg issue during an exhibition match against Taylor Fritz at the Six Kings Slam.
Djokovic was seen in visible discomfort before retiring from the match, prompting fears that he might miss the Turin event for a second consecutive year. However, Angelo Binaghi, president of the Italian Tennis Federation, reassured fans during an interview with Italian radio station Rai Gr Parlamento that Djokovic would indeed be playing in Turin.
“We have confirmation that Djokovic will be in Turin,” Binaghi stated, confirming that the Serbian star will feature at the season-ending showpiece, which begins on November 10. His presence will mark his record-equalling 18th qualification for the ATP Finals, matching Roger Federer’s long-standing benchmark.
Djokovic has been crowned champion at this event seven times, with his last victory occurring in 2023. Notably, he remains unbeaten in Turin since the tournament moved to this location three years ago.
At 38, Djokovic has spent the preceding weeks fine-tuning his fitness, recently entering the ATP 250 tournament in Athens where he is set to face Chile’s Alejandro Tabilo in his opening match on Tuesday. His decision to compete indicates confidence in his physical condition as he prepares for what could be a demanding run on the indoor hard courts.
Last year, Djokovic had qualified for the ATP Finals but opted not to play, citing the need to recover from an injury sustained late in the season. This time, however, he appears intent on securing the crown and reinforcing his dominance at a venue that has brought him repeated success.
Djokovic’s participation significantly shapes the concluding stages of this year’s race to Turin, with only one remaining qualification spot still available. Felix Auger-Aliassime currently occupies the final position after reaching the Paris Masters final, though Italian hope Lorenzo Musetti could still claim the spot if he wins the ATP 250 title in Athens this week.
Organisers view Djokovic’s return as a major boost for the tournament, anticipating record crowds at the Pala Alpitour Arena. His participation is seen as both a sporting highlight and a symbolic passing of the torch moment in men’s tennis, as the Serbian continues to fend off challenges from a new generation led by Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.
While the tournament builds up anticipation, the backdrop of Djokovic’s storied career reminds fans that greatness is often met with fresh challenges—how he navigates this new competition will undoubtedly pique interest as the event unfolds in Turin.
