Novak Djokovic won’t be a part of the field at the Paris Masters.
The Serbian great confirmed the unfortunate news on his social media, with the tournament to begin on October 27.
Djokovic issues statement on Paris Masters status
“Dear Paris, unfortunately I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters,” Djokovic posted on X.
“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.”
When was Djokovic last in action?
Djokovic’s withdrawal from the event comes just days after he failed to finish his third-place playoff match against Taylor Fritz at the lucrative Six Kings Slam in Riyadh.
The 38-year-old retired having lost the first set to the American.
Djokovic was dropped into the playoff match at the tournament having been blown away in straight sets by Jannik Sinner in the semi-final.
Sinner picked up his eighth consecutive win over Djokovic via a comfortable 6-4, 6-2 scoreline.
Speaking after his defeat against the Italian, Djokovic jokingly apologised to the crowd at how quickly he was brushed aside.
“I’m sorry you couldn’t see a longer match today, it’s his fault, not my fault,” Djokovic said during his on-court interview.
“I tried to intimidate him a little bit at that last game with the last 15 points, but it didn’t work.
“Look, it felt like a runaway train, you know, he was smacking the ball from all corners.
“I was just trying to hang in there, but he was just too good, so well done to him and good luck in the finals.”
Djokovic’s meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo in Saudi Arabia
Although Djokovic’s focus was on tennis, he allowed himself time off the court to meet with football legend Cristiano Ronaldo while in Saudi Arabia for the Six Kings Slam.
The iconic duo posed for a photo where they held up each other’s shirts and swapped gifts, with Ronaldo receiving a racquet signed by Djokovic while the latter got a giant tennis ball signed by Al Nassr’s marquee man.
Djokovic’s early exit at the Six Kings Slam followed his shock defeat to world No. 204 Valentin Vacherot at the Shanghai Masters.
Vacherot toppled Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 to become the lowest-ranked player to ever reach the final of a Masters 1000 event.
The Monegasque ace was aided by the fact Djokovic was not fully fit, as the Serbian required multiple medical time outs.
However, Djokovic swerved questions about his physical condition after the game and only wanted to congratulate Vacherot on the biggest win of his career.
When is Djokovic expected to return?
With Djokovic confirming he will skip the Paris Masters, attention now turns to whether he will appear at the season-ending ATP Finals.
Djokovic has already qualified for the event, which he has won seven times previously, thanks to his world ranking of fifth.