PARIS — The prestigious Rolex Paris Masters, the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the season, has been dealt a significant blow with a wave of high-profile withdrawals just days before the main draw is set to commence at the Accor Arena. Headlining the list of absentees are 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and defending champion Holger Rune, casting a shadow over the highly anticipated indoor hard-court tournament.
Tournament director Cédric Pioline confirmed the disappointing news, revealing that a total of seven players have withdrawn from the original entry list. The departures create opportunities for lucky losers from the qualifying rounds but undeniably diminish the star power for the Parisian fans. The withdrawals are primarily attributed to a combination of accumulated fatigue from a long season and specific physical injuries requiring recovery time.
Djokovic's Shoulder Issue Halts Paris Campaign
The most notable absence is that of world No. 1 Novak Djokovic. The Serbian legend, a record six-time champion in Paris-Bercy, has been forced to pull out due to a persistent issue with his left shoulder. Djokovic recently experienced discomfort in the shoulder during his run to the semifinals of the ATP Finals in Turin, where he ultimately lost to eventual champion Jannik Sinner. In an official statement, Djokovic expressed his regret, saying, "I am sorry to announce that I must withdraw from the Rolex Paris Masters. My shoulder has been bothering me and I need to rest it."
This withdrawal has immediate implications for the year-end world No. 1 ranking. With Djokovic not defending his 600 points from last year's victory, his closest rival, Italian Jannik Sinner, now has a mathematical chance to claim the top spot for the first time in his career before the season concludes. Sinner would need a deep run, likely a title, in Paris to have a shot, making the tournament's climax even more compelling despite Djokovic's absence.
Defending Champion Rune Sidelined After Surgery
Adding to the tournament's woes is the withdrawal of the defending champion, Denmark's Holger Rune. The 21-year-old, who captivated audiences last year with a thrilling victory over Novak Djokovic in the final, is recovering from a minor arthroscopic procedure on his right knee. The surgery was performed in early October, and while successful, it requires a period of rehabilitation that rules him out of defending his title.
Rune took to social media to update his fans, stating, "My knee is feeling much better, but my team and I have decided it is not worth the risk to compete so soon after the procedure. I have great memories from last year and I look forward to returning to Paris in 2024." His absence means a new champion will be crowned at the Accor Arena, breaking the recent stranglehold he and Djokovic have had on the title.
A Cascade of Withdrawals from Top Players
Beyond the two biggest names, the list of withdrawals reads like a who's who of the ATP Tour, significantly impacting the draw's depth and competitiveness. The other five players who have officially pulled out are:
- Stefanos Tsitsipas: The Greek star, a finalist in 2022, is managing an arm injury that has hampered him during the autumn indoor swing.
- Taylor Fritz: The American No. 1 has withdrawn due to an abdominal strain, an injury that can be notoriously slow to heal.
- Borna Coric: The Croatian, who won the title in 2022, is suffering from a shoulder problem.
- Lorenzo Musetti: The Italian is dealing with a wrist injury that forced him to retire from a recent tournament.
- Jan-Lennard Struff: The powerful German is out with a hip injury.
This cluster of injuries so late in the season underscores the physical toll of the 11-month ATP calendar. The transition from hard courts to clay, back to hard courts, and then to indoor conditions places immense strain on players' bodies, often culminating in physical breakdowns during the final stretch.
Impact on the ATP Race and Tournament Dynamics
The mass exodus dramatically reshapes the landscape of the tournament. With Djokovic, Rune, and Tsitsipas out, three of the most recent champions are absent. This opens a massive opportunity for the remaining contenders, such as Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and the in-form Jannik Sinner, to secure a crucial Masters 1000 title. For players on the cusp of qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin, the depleted field represents a golden chance to earn valuable points.
Players like Hubert Hurkacz, Casper Ruud, and Alexander Zverev, who are all vying for the remaining spots in Turin, now face potentially easier paths deep into the tournament. The revised draw will be closely analyzed for these "soft" sections, where a semifinal or final run could be the difference between ending the season in Turin or watching from home.
Tournament Leadership Expresses Disappointment
Cédric Pioline, the former French tennis star who now heads the Paris Masters, acknowledged the disappointment while emphasizing the show must go on. "It is always sad to lose players of this caliber, especially our defending champion and a legend like Novak," Pioline stated. "However, this creates a fantastic opportunity for other players to step up. We still have an incredibly strong field, and I am confident we will witness a week of spectacular tennis."
The tournament has moved quickly to adapt its marketing and promotional materials, now shifting focus to the new headline acts. The presence of young superstars like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner ensures that fan interest remains high, even without the familiar faces of Djokovic and Rune. The event also promises a vibrant off-court experience with fan zones and player interactions to maintain its signature atmosphere.
A Look Ahead to the Rest of the Season
The health of the withdrawn players will now be a major talking point as the season concludes. All eyes will be on Novak Djokovic's recovery, as he is scheduled to lead Serbia in the Davis Cup Finals in Malaga later in November. His participation there is now in doubt, which would be a massive blow to his national team's ambitions. For Holger Rune and others, the focus shifts to a full off-season of recovery and preparation for the 2024 Australian Open in January.
In conclusion, while the 2023 Paris Masters will proceed without some of its brightest stars, the tournament is poised for a dramatic and unpredictable week. The vacuum left by the seven withdrawals injects a level of uncertainty that could produce a first-time Masters 1000 champion or solidify the rise of a new dominant force in men's tennis, making it an unmissable event for any tennis enthusiast.