Novak Djokovic rubbishes Italian tennis chief's claim about his ATP Finals participation with strongly worded statement

Novak Djokovic recently rubbished Italian tennis chief Angelo Binaghi's claim that the Serb had confirmed his participation at the upcoming 2025 Nitto ATP Finals. According to the former No. 1 and 24-time Major champion, he will decide whether he plays at the prestigious year-end event following the conclusion of his campaign at the ongoing Hellenic Championship in Athens, Greece.

Binaghi, the Italian Tennis and Padel Federation President, recently said on Rai Gr Parlamento radio:

"We have confirmation that Djokovic will play (in Turin)."

Despite the 65-year-old's statement, several fans proceeded to question it because, typically, in recent years, the Serb himself has confirmed his participation status spanning various tournaments.

Subsequently, following his straight-set win over Alejandro Tabilo in his first match at the Hellenic Championship in Athens, top seed Novak Djokovic dismissed Angelo Binaghi's claim, telling the media:

"I don't know where he got that information from. Definitely not from me or my team. I will decide at the end of this tournament."

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"I'm thrilled" - Novak Djokovic after beating Alejandro Tabilo on third attempt

Novak Djokovic at the 2025 Shanghai Masters (Source: Getty)

Not many people on the ATP Tour can say that they have a 100% winning record against Novak Djokovic. However, ahead of his clash against the Serb in Athens, that's exactly what Alejandro Tabilo could boast of. The Chilean upset the 100-time ATP Tour-level singles titlist at two Masters 1000 events previously: the 2024 Italian Open and this year's Monte-Carlo Masters.

In Athens, though, the Serb produced a rock-solid display to register a 7-6(3), 6-1 victory. Later, the 38-year-old reflected on the result, admitting that he was nervous heading into the match because of his past losses to Tabilo.

"I’m thrilled to get through tonight. I played against Tabilo and I’ve never won against him, so I was more under tension before the match than I would be before some others," the current World No. 5 said.

Up next for the Serb in Athens, his new home, is No. 6 seed Nuno Borges. The match is set to mark a first-time meeting between the pair.

On the ATP Finals front, if the former No. 1 ends up withdrawing from the year-end event, both Felix Auger-Aliassime and Lorenzo Musetti will qualify. However, if the Serb decides to feature in Turin, either Auger-Aliassime or Musetti will qualify, depending on the Italian's own campaign in Athens. Musetti quite simply has to win the Hellenic Championship to make it to Turin if the Serb plays at the ATP Finals.