Djokovic withdraws from Paris Masters, aims to return in 2026

Novak Djokovic announced on Tuesday that he will not compete at next week's Paris Masters, saying in a social media post that he hoped to return to the tournament in 2026. The withdrawal removes the seven‑time champion from the ATP Masters 1000 event at La Defense Arena, which runs from October 27 to November 2.

"Dear Paris, unfortunately I'll not compete at this year's RolexPMasters," Djokovic wrote on X. "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." He did not set out a specific reason in the post.

Djokovic, 38, has played a reduced schedule this season and has not appeared on the ATP Tour since his semifinal loss at the Shanghai Masters earlier in October. Tournament reports and match footage show he struggled physically in Shanghai, dealing with a sore hip and episodes of illness and heat exhaustion during a grueling run to the last four. Three days before his Paris withdrawal he retired from an exhibition event in Riyadh after one set of a third‑place match, an exit that organisers and Djokovic himself said followed a left leg problem.

The Serb has reached the semifinals of...