Lorenzo Musetti will compete in the Nitto ATP Finals after Novak Djokovic was forced to opt out of the tournament following a shoulder injury. The Serbian won his 101st ATP tour-level title after beating Lorenzo Musetti by 4-6, 6-3, 7-5.

Musetti will replace Djokovic in the Jimmy Connors Group as direct acceptance. Alexander Bublik is now the first alternate.

With Sinner also part of the tournament, this is the first time two Italian singles players have qualified for the same edition of the Nitto ATP Finals.

Meanwhile, this has been a spectacular year for Musetti. He reached his first ATP Masters 1000 final in Monte-Carlo. Subsequently, he qualified to the semifinals at Madrid, Rome, and Roland Garros to establish himself in contention for Turin.

After making the US Open’s last eight, Musetti also made the Chengdu final, Vienna semi-finals, and the Athens final.

Musetti will begin his Nitto ATP Finals against America’s Taylor Fritz.

Meanwhile, Djokovic this year tied the record for most Nitto ATP Finals qualifications, matching Roger Federer with 18.

“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,” Djokovic wrote on social media. 

“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!”