Novak Djokovic’s brother, Djordje, admitted he is not sure why the tennis legend will not defend his Paris Masters title. Djokovic, 37, recently pulled out of the competition he won last year without any explanation or warning.

He dropped the Eiffel Tower-sized bombshell on Wednesday, three days before play commences on October 26. Djokovic won the competition last year by beating Grigo Dimitrov 6-4, 6-3 in the final.

His surprise exit could have huge ramifications, as he is not guaranteed to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin in November, thus potentially signalling the end of his tennis season this year. When asked about his brother’s plans, the 29-year-old was also confused about the situation.

Speaking to Serbian outlet, Sport, Djordje said: “I’m not sure that he knows at this moment. Honestly, it’s a decision for him, his team and his family.

“He had a very busy year, which he crowned with a gold medal at the Olympic Games. You also saw that he also cancelled Paris, which is a week before Belgrade.”

Djokovic released a statement to announce his decision but did not explain the reasoning behind it. He wrote: “Unfortunately I won’t be playing Paris Masters this year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me play there.

“Wishing all the players, sponsors, organisers and fans a great tournament. I have a lot of memories winning seven titles there and hope to be back with you next year.”

Djokovic is currently in sixth position in the ‘race to Turin’ – the ATP Finals event which sees the world’s top eight players compete against each other in the season-closing competition. Jannik Sinner, Alcaraz, Alex Zverev, Daniil Medvedev and Taylor Fritz are currently ranked higher, while Casper Ruud, Andrey Rublev and Alex De Minaur are threatening to catch him.

His decision to not defend his title in Paris will see him lose a considerable number of ranking points. Titles have been in short supply for the 24-time Grand Slam winner this year.

His only major title was the Olympic gold medal he won in the French capital, which saw him secure his first victory over Alcaraz in 2024. This season has also been the first since 2017 where he has failed to win a single Grand Slam.

Alcaraz destroyed the Serbian in straight sets to win Wimbledon in what was Djokovic’s only Grand Slam final appearance. The World No.2 also won the French Open, while Italian World No.1 Jannik Sinner scooped up the US Open and the Australian Open.