Novak Djokovic took ‘strong medication’ to play last match of 2025 as he ends season early | Tennis | Sport

Novak Djokovic was expected to get his ATP Finals campaign underway on Monday against Taylor Fritz, whom he’s never lost to. But a shoulder injury forced the 38-year-old to pull out of the year-end championships, and he has been replaced by Lorenzo Musetti.

Djokovic managed to play through the injury at last week’s Hellenic Championship in Athens, where he claimed his 101st career title, beating Musetti in a thrilling final. However, within the hour, the world No. 4 had withdrawn from the ATP Finals, bringing his 2025 season to an end.

Although he was able to seal a 4-6 6-3 7-5 comeback victory, Djokovic later revealed that he had to take “strong medication” to play the Athens final, and made the injury worse in what was ultimately his last match of the year.

Asked whether his shoulder issue had worsened, the Serbian superstar told SDNA: “Unfortunately, yes. It’s been an issue all week. That’s why I didn’t want to make a decision about Turin early, I wanted to see how my body would react to the matches.

“After the semi-final, I was optimistic, but today, even before the final, I didn’t feel well. I had to take strong medication to be able to play. Now that the effect of it is wearing off, I don’t expect a good feeling in the shoulder.”

Djokovic had been drawn in the Jimmy Connors Group at the ATP Finals alongside Fritz, Carlos Alcaraz, and Alex de Minaur.

The 38-year-old has a winning record against all three players, and felt good about his chances of playing in the last event of the season earlier last week – but that changed after Saturday’s final.

“I can’t compete at the level needed for a tournament like the ATP Finals. I have to play the day after tomorrow and there’s just no time to recover,” Djokovic explained.

“It’s very sad for me, because I like playing indoors and in Turin I had success. The fans there are great. Honestly, I’m sorry.”

There was a silver lining to Djokovic’s withdrawal, however. Musetti had been locked in battle with Felix Auger-Aliassime for the eighth and final spot in Turin, but when Musetti lost to Djokovic in Athens, it meant he had failed to qualify, and Auger-Aliassime got into the tournament instead.

The ATP Finals are staged in Musetti’s home country, and the world No. 9 managed to get into the draw as Djokovic’s replacement. He will now make his tournament debut against Fritz.

Djokovic was well aware of what his withdrawal meant for the 23-year-old Italian star. “At least Musetti will be there, so something positive comes out of today! I wish everyone a wonderful tournament, and I hope to have another opportunity to participate next year,” he added.