Jannik Sinner comments on Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the ATP Finals

Ewan West 07 Nov 2024 10:28 AM

Novak Djokovic and Jannik Sinner

Jannik Sinner has shared his thoughts on Novak Djokovic’s withdrawal from the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin.

The world No 1 declared that Djokovic “will be missed by everyone” as he recognised the Serbian legend has given “so much to the Italian public” in his career.

Djokovic announced on Tuesday that he would not compete at this year’s edition of the year-end championships due to an unspecified injury.

“It’s quite an honour to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin,” Djokovic wrote in a message shared on his Instagram story.

“I was really looking forward to being there, but due to 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!”

Djokovic featured at 16 of the previous 17 editions of the ATP Finals since making his debut at the event in 2007. This will be the first time he has missed it since 2017 — when he ended his season after Wimbledon due to injury.

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The 24-time Grand Slam winner downed Sinner 6-3, 6-3 in the final at the 2023 ATP Finals to secure a record seventh title at the year-end championships.

Speaking at a Lavazza event ahead of this year’s tournament, Sinner spoke about the impact of Djokovic’s absence on the fans and players.

“Nole gave so much to the Italian public and people wanted to see him play,” the 23-year-old said.

“We are very sorry that he is not here but this is sport, it happens that a player misses tournaments.

“The season has been long and in any case here there are eight great players, we hope it will be a great tournament. Nole will be missed by everyone.”

Asked which of the other seven Turin qualifiers he feared the most, Sinner replied: “Difficult question, they are the eight best of this season, honestly all of them.”

Sinner is seeking his maiden ATP Finals crown this year, having qualified for the event for the first time in 2023.

The Italian made his ATP Finals debut in 2021 as an alternate, playing two round robin matches after replacing injured compatriot Matteo Berrettini.

The two-time Grand Slam winner will be the top seed and could be drawn in the same group as his rival Carlos Alcaraz, who will be seeded third.