Taylor Fritz admits Novak Djokovic delaying his ATP Finals participation decision isn't helping him but the American tennis star also highlights that the record 24-time Grand Slam champion has "earned" to do whatever he wants due to his accolades.
After the draw for this year's ATP Finals was released, Fritz landed in Jimmy Connors Group alongside Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Alex de Minaur. It was also revealed that the American would take on the Serb in the opening match on Sunday.
But there is one issue. While Djokovic booked his ATP Finals spot a long ago, he has been reluctant to confirm if he would compete at this year's season-ending tournament. Currently, the former world No. 1 is competing at the ATP 250 tournament in Athens, where he is set to face Lorenzo Musetti for the title. After the Athens final, the 38-year-old plans to disclose his ATP Finals deciison.
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Fritz on Djokovic still keeping his Turin participation a secret
"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," Fritz said.
If Musetti beats Djokovic in the Athens final, the Italian will clinch the last ATP Finals spot and join Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev and Ben Shelton in Bjorn Borg Group. If Musetti loses, Felix Auger-Aliassime will take the last Turin spot. But if the Serb withdraws from the season-ending tournament, that means that both the Italian and the Canadian will compete in Turin.
