"It's Novak Djokovic's fault" - Fans react as Taylor Fritz gets back-to-back match days at ATP Finals amid Serb's late withdrawal drama

Novak Djokovic has once again found himself in the middle of a controversy, this time involving Taylor Fritz at the 2025 ATP Finals. Fans of the American have not held back, pointing fingers at the Serb and holding him responsible for the situation that unfolded.

The ATP Finals kicked off on Sunday, November 9, featuring a stacked lineup that includes Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Alexander Zverev, Ben Shelton, Lorenzo Musetti, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Alex de Minaur, and Fritz. Djokovic had also qualified for the event but made a last-minute decision to withdraw following his title win in Athens, paving the way for Musetti to take his spot in the draw.

Fritz began his campaign in Turin on Monday with a solid 6-3, 6-4 win over Musetti. He is now set to face Alcaraz on Tuesday in his second group-stage match. However, fans are frustrated that he has to play two matches on consecutive days, calling it unfair. Notably, Fritz was initially supposed to open against Djokovic before the Serb’s late withdrawal.

"It’s Djokovic’s fault, his dumbass should have withdrawn from the tournament months ago," one user wrote.

"So Fritz also has to play back-to-back days because Musetti got in late? The entire group should have just started yesterday. Not Fritz' issue that it came down to the last day," another wrote.

"Blame this on Musetti is WILD. This is all on Novak," one account posted.

"Blame your Djokovic," another joined in.

"All due to Djoker. Poor Lore btw," one fan tweeted.

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Taylor Fritz reacts to Novak Djokovic delaying ATP Finals withdrawal

Taylor Fritz pictured at the 2025 ATP Finals | Image Source: Getty

During his first press conference at the 2025 ATP Finals, Taylor Fritz was asked about Novak Djokovic delaying his decision to confirm participation in the tournament. Fritz admitted that while it did cause some "inconvenience," he felt the Serb had "earned the right" to make that call.

Fritz said:

"Well, I mean I think Yeah, obviously when you're on the fence, not sure if everyone's not sure if you're going to play. Yes, there's inconveniences, but he's earned that right in my opinion for he's qualified. It's his decision if he wants to play or not play."

"And if he wants to wait on it and see how he feels, that's like I said, it does cause some inconveniences, but he's earned it. He's earned that right in my opinion," he added.

Carlos Alcaraz, who was asked the same question as Fritz, seemed to agree with the American, saying:

"It's obviously it is a bad situation for everyone, but, as Taylor said, he has the right to do it. He has played this tournament many years. He has won this tournament many years."

Djokovic withdrew from the ATP Finals for the second year in a row after winning his record 101st title at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, where he defeated Lorenzo Musetti in the final. He cited a shoulder injury as the reason behind his withdrawal.