ATHENS (AP) \u2014 Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the ATP Finals for the second year in a row, shortly after beating Lorenzo Musetti in a near three-hour final to win the Hellenic Championship on Saturday.<\/p>\n
Djokovic said a shoulder injury would prevent him from playing in the season-ending event for the top eight men\u2019s players that starts on Sunday in Turin, Italy.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2019m sad to share that I need to withdraw due to an ongoing injury,\u201d Djokovic said in a post on social media.<\/p>\n
The decision means Musetti will take his place, even though his loss to Djokovic initially handed the final qualifying spot to Felix Auger-Aliassime.<\/p>\n
Djokovic has won the ATP Finals seven times but the 24-time Grand Slam champion also missed the tournament last year because of an injury.<\/p>\n
On Saturday, the Serb rallied for a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory over Musetti to clinch his 101st career title.<\/p>\n
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The 38-year-old Djokovic also set a men’s record with his 72nd title on hard courts, one more than Roger Federer.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn incredible battle,” Djokovic said after the match. “Three hours of a grueling match, physically. … I\u2019m just very proud of myself to get through this one.\u201d<\/p>\n
The last set featured five breaks, before Djokovic clinched the victory with a service winner. Musetti has now lost his last six tour-level finals.<\/p>\n
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