Djokovic denied the rumors and questioned his participation in the ATP Finals

The excitement of seeing the Serbian again didn’t even last a day. Novak Djokovic (5th) in the ATP Finalsafter he debuted with victory at the ATP 250 in Athens against the Chilean Alejandro Tabilo (89th) in straight sets and dismissed the rumors spread by Angelo Binaghipresident of the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation (FITP).

“We have confirmation that Djokovic will play in Turin,” the head of the prestigious entity had stated about the stellar presence of the former world number 1, the competition’s top champion with seven titles, who refused to participate in the last edition and could equal another historical record of the Swiss Roger Federer if he attended on the covered courts of the Inalpi Arena from November 9 to 16.

However, the owner of 100 trophies at the highest level, 24 in Grand Slam tournaments, would flatly deny the former player’s statements, after securing his ticket to the quarterfinals of the Greek event, according to the renowned media outlet Ubitennis: “I don’t know where Binaghi got this information from. Certainly not from me or my team. I will decide at the end of the tournament“.

As if it were still not enough to start seriously speculating about the second absence in a row, the director of the site in question would contact the manager of the legendary Balkan since the end of 2023, the British Mark Maddenwhich would postpone confirmation: “We are having intense weeks, but no decision has been made yet. That’s not true. “We are playing in Athens and Novak will decide at the end of the tournament.”

In this way, the one born in Belgrade left his presence in the prestigious competition unknown and gave hope to the Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime (8°) and Italian Lorenzo Musetti (9th), those who are fighting for the last available ticket and could enter directly if they make the same decision as in 2024.

All ATP Finals activity can be followed LIVE on Disney+ Premium Plan.