Shortly after Novak Djokovic won his 101st career title in Athens – a victory which eliminated Lorenzo Musetti from qualification at the season-ending championships – the Serbian icon announced his withdrawal from the event.
Musetti is in after all, via Djokovic’s withdrawal, and will take his place in the eight-player field in Turin next week alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, Ben Shelton, Alex de Minaur and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The ATP Tour announced the news shortly after the trophy ceremony in Athens.
Musetti will make his debut at the ATP Finals, which means that two Italians will populate the field for the first time in the event’s history.
Musetti will replace Djokovic in the Jimmy Connors Group as a direct acceptance. Alexander Bublik is now the first alternate.
It has been the best season of Musetti’s career, with the 23-year-old reaching his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte-Carlo. He then advanced to the semi-finals at Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros to entrench himself in Turin contention.
Here are the Groups after today’s news:
Djokovic tied Roger Federer by qualifying for the ATP Finals for an 18th time. His official reason for withdrawal is a shoulder injury.
“I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” The 24-time major champion wrote on social media. “I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play — your support means so much. I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon!”
