Fresh details have emerged over the past 24 hours suggesting Novak Djokovic will skip the upcoming Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, allowing Alex de Minaur to gain qualification.
Djokovic was photographed relaxing on a beach in the Maldives, indicating that his tennis season could be over.
The 37-year-old last featured at the Shanghai Masters final against Jannik Sinner on October 13, stressing that Grand Slams and representing Serbia are now his priorities.
Former British No.1 and 1997 US Open singles runner-up, Greg Rusedski, admits that an extended break for the 24-time major winner makes sense.
"I think he needs to get healthy," Rusedski told The Tennis Channel. "We still see that knee brace there and once we don’t see that any more, he’s back.
"Last season he won the ATP Finals and played in Davis Cup, so he couldn’t get the prep he needed for this season. Then he picked up that injury at the French Open.
"Off-season to me is huge and the longer he can make his off-season, the better off he will be for 2025.
"I will be surprised if he plays in Turin or plays any more tennis this season, but never discount him."
If Djokovic does withdraw from the tournament, Alex de Minaur will guarantee his place at the ATP Finals for the first time in his career.
The world No.8 sits 25 points ahead of Andrey Rublev thanks to a quarter-final appearance at the Paris Masters.
De Minaur has entered the draw for the Belgrade Open in Serbia, while Rublev will play at the Metz Open in France - both ATP 250 events.
If he qualifies, de Minaur will become the first Australian since Lleyton Hewitt in 2004 to participate in the ATP Finals for the singles draw.
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