Novak Djokovic has gifted his 2025 ATP Finals berth to Lorenzo Musetti, minutes after handing him a heart-breaking defeat in Athens. The Italian was scrambling for a debut appearance in Turin but failed to qualify directly after losing the ATP 250 final on Saturday, November 8.
Musetti enters the prestigious tournament as the first alternate, replacing Djokovic, who has announced his withdrawal.
What Did Novak Djokovic Say to Lorenzo Musetti at the Net About His ATP Finals Decision?
Musetti’s ATP Finals qualification was hanging on his result in Athens. The Italian’s only chance for a direct place was winning the title and subsequently leapfrogging Felix Auger-Aliassime to assume the eighth and final position in the race.
His unfortunate 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 loss against Djokovic meant that the 23-year-old fell a mere five points short of the cutoff. Auger-Aliassime, who was awaiting his fate, thus bagged the final spot, joining Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Ben Shelton in the Björn Borg group. This development confirmed Musetti’s position as the first alternate at the ATP Finals, with a chance to step into the main draw should anyone withdraw.
As it turned out, Djokovic, who had maintained secrecy about his ATP Finals appearance, confirmed that he won’t be competing at the event after winning the title in Athens. Musetti relayed the news during his press conference in Athens, noting that the Serb informed him about the withdrawal during their net exchange after the match.
Hellenic Championship runner-up Lorenzo Musetti 🇮🇹 has just said that Novak Djokovic told him at the net that he is NOT going to play the ATP Finals in Turin.#ATPTour #Athens 🏛 pic.twitter.com/7Qmx4zQq0P
— Florian Heer (@Florian_Heer) November 8, 2025
Moments later, the seven-time ATP Finals champion released an official statement, citing injury as the reason for his no-show.
“I was really looking forward to competing in Turin and giving my best but after today’s final in Athens, I’m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,” the 38-year-old wrote on Instagram.
“I’m truly sorry to the fans who were hoping to see me play — your support means so much. I wish all the players an amazing tournament, and I can’t wait to be back on the court with you all soon!”
Lorenzo Musetti To Take Novak Djokovic’s Place in the ATP Finals Main Draw
Had Djokovic withdrawn from the tournament before the draw was made, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti would have automatically qualified, without the latter needing to win the title in Athens. Taking into account his late withdrawal, Musetti, the first alternate, will assume the Serb’s position in the already-drafted draw.
This places him in the Jimmy Connors group alongside Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Alex de Minaur. The Italian begins his debut campaign in his home country against Fritz on Monday.
