Novak Djokovic withdraws from Paris Masters, doubts grow over ATP Finals participation

Former world No 1 Novak Djokovic will not be trying to win a record-extending eighth Paris Masters title this week as he announced his withdrawal from the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season in a social media post on Tuesday. This has also raised doubts over the 38-year-old’s participation in the ATP Finals.

Djokovic, who retired during the third-place match at Six Kings Slam on Saturday against Taylor Fritz, said that he hopes to play at the Paris Masters in 2026. Paris Master, which will be played at the La Defense Arena for the first time, starts this Sunday, but Djokovic will not be a part of the tournament for a second year running.

Dear Paris, unfortunately I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters. I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title 7 times. Hope to see you next year. Merci 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/y4iEmMYUAn

— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) October 21, 2025

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“Dear Paris, unfortunately I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters. I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title seven times. Hope to see you next year. Merci,” he wrote on X.

Djokovic set to skip ATP Finals in 2025?

At the Shanghai Masters earlier this month, Djokovic had revealed that he wasn’t sure about participating in ATP tour events other than the Hellenic Championship in Athens. Djokovic has now moved base to Greece with his family from Serbia, relocating the ATP 250 tennis event from Belgrade to Athens. Djokovic’s brother, Djordje, has been the tournament director for the Hellenic Championship since 2021.

“After Shanghai, the only tournament I know I’m going to play is the one in Athens. And then let’s see if I play Turin or not, I’m not sure yet,” Djokovic said in China.

His comments at the Shanghai Masters and latest withdrawal from the Paris Masters have put his participation in the ATP Finals into doubt. Last weekend, Djokovic became the third player to qualify for the eight-man ATP Finals in Turin after world No 1 Carlos Alcaraz and defending champion Jannik Sinner.

Considering the fitness issues Djokovic has faced in almost all the tournaments he has played in 2025, it won’t be a surprise if he refuses to take part in the ATP Finals and redirects his focus towards building a strong foundation for the 2026 season.