In a significant development within the tennis world, Novak Djokovic has announced his withdrawal from the upcoming Paris Masters due to a leg injury. This decision comes just days after he competed in an exhibition event where he struggled with discomfort. The 38-year-old Serbian, who boasts an impressive 24 Grand Slam titles, has had a rather limited season, participating in only eight ATP Tour events this year beyond the four major championships.
This season has seen Djokovic reach the semifinals of all four Grand Slam tournaments: the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and the U.S. Open. However, his competitive appearances were notably sparse from late May until late September, with his focus primarily on those major events. Most recently, at the Shanghai Masters, he experienced challenges due to a sore hip, culminating in his exit during the semifinals.
Last week, Djokovic was among the elite players invited to the Six Kings Slam held in Saudi Arabia. After receiving a first-round bye, he faced off against rising star Jannik Sinner but was unable to secure a victory. Following this match, he encountered Taylor Fritz in a battle for third place but ultimately withdrew after just one set.
Looking ahead, Djokovic had qualified for the ATP Finals scheduled for November 9-16 in Turin, Italy, but his absence from the Paris Masters raises questions about his condition and readiness for the year-end championships. As fans and analysts await further updates on his injury, the tennis community will be keeping a close eye on his recovery and potential return to form as the season draws to a close.
