Novak Djokovic announced on November 5, 2024, that he is withdrawing from the ATP Finals due to an ongoing injury, which has opened the door for Australian player Alex de Minaur to qualify.

De Minaur's qualification marks a significant achievement, making him the first Australian to reach the ATP Finals since Lleyton Hewitt.

Djokovic's exit confirmed de Minaur's inclusion, prompting him to withdraw from the Belgrade Open where he was the top seed.

This year's ATP Finals will be notable as it marks the first time in 23 years that none of the 'Big Three'—Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal—will compete.

The tournament, set to take place from November 10-17 in Turin, Italy, will feature a total prize pool of $23 million, with de Minaur competing against top players including Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Taylor Fritz.

In 2024, de Minaur reached three Grand Slam quarter-finals and achieved a career-high ranking of No. 6, becoming the first player since Hewitt in 2004 to reach this many quarter-finals in a single season.

Despite dealing with a specific injury to his adductor longus, which affects his movement, de Minaur expressed determination to succeed in the tournament.

Entering the finals week, de Minaur had a slight edge over Andrey Rublev for the last spot, which he could have solidified with a win in Belgrade.

Djokovic also withdrew from the Paris Masters, which concluded on November 3, 2024, where Alexander Zverev claimed the title.

In his Instagram Story, Djokovic expressed disappointment over his withdrawal and wished all players a great tournament.

In addition to his achievements on the court, de Minaur recently announced the establishment of the De Minaur Junior Tour to support young Australian tennis players through scholarships and mentorship programs.

Despite his injury struggles, de Minaur has shown determination to play through pain and continue striving for success in the future.