Paris Masters tournament director Cedric Pioline believes that Novak Djokovic has decided to “manage his body” as he reacted to the Serb’s surprise withdrawal from the event.
No one has had more success at the indoor tournament in Bercy than Djokovic, who claimed a record-extending seventh title in 2023.
The Serbian beat Grigor Dimitrov to lift the title a year ago, having previously triumphed in 2009, 2013-15, 2019, and 2021.
However, the 37-year-old will not be back searching for an eighth crown in 2024, having withdrawn from the event – and seemingly ending his 2024 season.
Speaking to Eurosport, Pioline was not too disappointed in Djokovic’s withdrawal – and admitted that he understood the decision.
Pioline said: “He is the defending champion – but he is 37 years old if I am not mistaken.
“He has had a complicated year physically since he had a meniscus operation just before Wimbledon. He won the Olympic Games, it is his only title but that was the objective, so objective achieved.
“I think he has reached a stage in his career where he manages his schedule as his body asks him to manage it.”