Novak Djokovic pulls out of Paris Masters and participation in ATP Finals in Turin still uncertain for Serbian superstar
Published 21/10/2025 at 21:43 GMT+1
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Paris Masters for the second year running. It comes after his run to the semi-finals of the Shanghai Masters, where the Serb was beaten by eventual champion Valentin Vacherot. He has not given a reason for his withdrawal. But the 38-year-old has stated that he wants to play in the event next year, as he seeks an eighth Paris Masters title.
Djokovic ‘just trying to stay alive on court’ in ‘very challenging conditions’
Video credit: SNTV
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of next week's Paris Masters, but has indicated that he wants to return in 2026.
The tournament in France, where the 38-year-old is a seven-time champion, is the final Masters 1000 event of the year.
That means there are plenty of important ranking points up for grabs, which could impact the seedings for January's Australian Open, shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Djokovic has decided to pass up on the tournament though, potentially pulling down the curtain on his season.
"Dear Paris, unfortunately I'll not compete at this year's Rolex Paris Masters," he wrote on X.
The Serb has operated on a slimmed-down schedule in 2025, as he hunts a record-breaking 25th Grand Slam crown.
- Sinner to miss Italy's Davis Cup defence - 'Need an extra week off'
- Rune fears 'unbearable' injury lay-off after suffering 'fully broken' Achilles
- Emotional Medvedev dedicates first title since 2023 to daughter
He has only competed at 12 tournaments in total, with his sole title coming at the ATP 250 Geneva Open in May.
Four of those events were the majors - and he reached the semi-finals in all of them, only to be knocked out by Alexander Zverev in Melbourne, before running into Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open respectively.
His most recent tournament was the Shanghai Masters this month, where he made the last four before losing to eventual champion Valentin Vacherot.
But the event in China did not pass without alarm for Djokovic.
He struggled physically in the semis, and required medical treatment after throwing up on court, having also encountered issues with the sweltering temperatures earlier on in the tournament.
No reason has been given for his withdrawal from Paris, the same city in which the Serb won Olympic gold in 2024.
But it seems he has not had his swansong at the venue, where he was also absent for last year's Paris Masters.
"I have amazing memories and great success over the years," he continued. "Especially being able to conquer the title seven times.
"Hope to see you next year. Merci."
It is not yet known whether the decision brings down the curtain on Djokovic's season.
He has qualified for the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, which start on Sunday, November 9.
Sinner and Alcaraz are the only other players who have confirmed their spot in Italy.
Watch and stream top tennis action, including the 2026 Australian Open, live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement