The 24-time Grand Slam winner will not be competing in the Paris Masters next week. He does not give a specific reason – but the cancellation fits with a recent announcement.
Novak Djokovic of Serbia, the record winner of Grand Slams, has canceled his start at the Paris Masters next week without giving a specific reason.
“Unfortunately, I will not be playing in Paris this year,” the seven-time tournament winner announced on Instagram on Wednesday, thus confirming Serbian media reports that had already leaked the cancellation: ‘I have great memories, have won seven times and hope to be back next year.’
Djokovic is taking a back seat
The 37-year-old Djokovic had recently announced that he would be thinning out his tour schedule. The Grand Slam tournaments and events such as the Davis and the Laver Cup, where he represents his Serbian homeland, are his priority. Other events – including the ATP Finals – are less important to him.
The world number four last played in the controversial “Six Kings Slam” in Saudi Arabia, where he won the third-place playoff against his long-standing rival Rafael Nadal of Spain. Djokovic celebrated his first triumph on the Seine in 2009, and last year he achieved his seventh success. He has also reached the final twice.
Djokovic has special memories of the French capital. In August, he won his first Olympic gold in Paris, beating Spain’s young star Carlos Alcaraz in two sets. He has triumphed three times at the French Open.
