Novak Djokovic withdraws from Paris Masters due to leg injury

Novak Djokovic has decided to opt out of the upcoming Rolex Paris Masters due to a leg injury. The Serbian announced his withdrawal on his social media handle, X, on Tuesday.

He wrote in his post, “Dear Paris, unfortunately, I’ll not compete at this year’s @RolexPMasters. I have amazing memories and great success over the years, especially being able to conquer the title 7 times. Hope to see you next year. Merci 🙏🏼”

The 24-time Grand Slam champion has played in only eight ATP Tour events outside of the four majors due to injury woes. 

Recently, Djokovic suffered a straight-set loss against Jannik Sinner in the Six Kings Slam. Subsequently, he decided to retire after playing only one set against Taylor Fritz. At the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic suffered from hip issues during his semifinal clash against eventual champion Valentin Vacherot.

Djokovic reached the semifinals at the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S. Open this season. The Serbian had also pulled out of the Australian Open semifinal against Alexander Zverev after he lost the opening set against the German. 

On the other hand, Serena Williams’ former coach, Rennae Stubbs, has raised concerns regarding Novak Djokovic’s recurring injuries on the tour, especially in the second half of the tournament.

Stubbs said on the Tennis podcast, “He’s just breaking down all the time. If there was a legit injury, which I’m assuming it was in the first set, he looked pretty good in the second set. But the same thing keeps happening in the latter parts of tournaments for him, right?”

“Novak just doesn’t look like he has enough on the ball anymore against some of these players… At some point, and I’ve spoken about it for months, actually maybe even a year or two, Father Time catches up with you,” she said.