“Sorry to everyone” – Novak Djokovic issues statement after withdrawing from Paris Masters 2024

Novak Djokovic has decided to withdraw from the Paris Masters 2024. The Serbian won the tournament in 2023 but won’t return to defend his title. After winning the Gold medal at the Paris Olympics, Djokovic has only played in the US Open and Shanghai Masters.

He was knocked out in the third round of the New York Major after losing to Australia’s Alexei Popyrin. In the Shanghai Masters, the 24-time Grand Slam champion lost in the summit clash against Jannik Sinner.

Djokovic wrote on Instagram, “Unfortunately I won’t be playing @rolexparismasters this year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me play there. Wishing all the players, sponsors, organisers and fans a great tournament. I have a lot of great memories winning seven titles there and hope to be back with you next year.”

On the other hand, Tournament director of the Paris Masters Cedric Pioline reckons Djokovic has backed out as he is 37 and wants to manage his workload.

“He is the defending champion… But he is 37 years old if I am not mistaken. He has had a complicated year physically since he had a meniscus operation just before Wimbledon,” Pioline told Eurosport.

“He won the Olympic Games, it is his only title but that was the objective, so objective achieved. I think he has reached a stage in his career where he manages his schedule as his body asks him to manage it,” he added.

Earlier, Djokovic said that ATP Finals is not his priority and he wants to win more Grand Slams, and playing for Serbia will be at the top of his priority.

“I am not chasing a place on the ATP list, nor the Final Masters. Those are not my goals, honestly. As for me, I finished my career in other tournaments. I don’t know if I will play them in the future or this year. My priorities are playing for the national team and grand slams, everything else is less important,” Djokovic said.