Jannik Sinner breaks silence on Novak Djokovic withdrawal as Serb ‘done’ with ATP Finals

Defending champion Novak Djokovic recently pulled out of the ATP Finals.

Jannik Sinner has had his say after Novak Djokovic pulled out of the ATP Finals.

The 37-year-old previously claimed he was “done” with tournaments like the year-end championships. After qualifying sixth in the race, he withdrew citing an injury.

Sinner beat Djokovic in the round-robin stage last year but lost to him in the final. And he’s given his verdict on the Serb’s absence.

Djokovic’s hopes of qualifying for the ATP Finals were in doubt after he limited his schedule and suffered some uncharacteristic, early losses at big tournaments. He later admitted he wasn’t fussed about returning to the season-ending tournament.

“Torino [the ATP Finals] is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings,” the world No. 5 said in September. “As far as I’m concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career.”

Only the eight players who have earned the most ranking points in a single season get a spot in the ATP Finals. Djokovic climbed to sixth in the race but spent last week on a beach in the Maldives, sparking speculation that he’d already secretly ended his season.

He confirmed the theories on Tuesday when he announced his withdrawal, writing: “It’s quite an honour to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin. I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won’t be playing next week.”