Jannik Sinner is sad that Novak Djokovic will not compete at the 2024 ATP Finals in Turin but is confident the upcoming tournament will be a great one nonetheless.
World No. 1 Sinner was the first man to qualify for the ATP Finals. Shortly afterward, he became the fastest player to reach the year-end No. 1 spot since Djokovic during his dominant 2015 season.
This year's iteration of the ATP Finals begins on November 10th, and the tournament draw has already been made. Sinner's group contains Daniil Medvedev, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur.
Djokovic was on the verge of qualifying for the ATP Finals. He began this week at No. 6 in the race, and only an improbable set of results would have stopped him from booking his place in Turin if he had intended to play.
However, Djokovic announced his withdrawal from the ATP Finals because of an injury. The Serbian did not elaborate on the physical issue, but it might be the knee problem he has managed since the French Open.
Although it is impossible to know for sure, Djokovic may have withdrawn from the event anyway. The 37-year-old previously indicated that he might be done with tournaments like the ATP Finals and he prioritizes the four Grand Slams and representing Serbia.
Djokovic's decision to withdraw is undoubtedly a blow. His seven titles at the ATP Finals make him the most successful player in the tournament's history, and he also won last year's iteration of the event.
But his absence does not change the fact the line-up is still very exciting. Alcaraz and Sinner have been the two outstanding players this season, splitting the four Grand Slams between them.
Sinner emphasized that message when speaking at a Lavazza event ahead of the ATP Finals. The 23-year-old said Djokovic would be missed but also feels eight superb players are in the draw.
"Nole gave so much to the Italian public and people wanted to see him play. 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."
Sinner has earned the right to be considered the favorite for the 2024 ATP Finals after his outstanding season, which saw him become the year-end No. 1. The Italian is also a very good indoor player, having won several titles at indoor tournaments during his career.
The world No. 1 was the runner-up to Djokovic at last year's ATP Finals. Carlos Alcaraz has beaten Sinner most this year, but his struggles at indoor events make it questionable whether he is the most likely to trouble Sinner at the ATP Finals.
Alcaraz most recently lost at the Paris Masters and complained about the fast conditions afterward. But Rennae Stubbs dismissed his words and told him to adjust his game to quicker courts.