Novak Djokovic to plummet to painfully-low world ranking after pulling out of ATP Finals

Novak Djokovic is set to plummet down the world rankings after pulling out of the ATP Finals - with the Serbian star in danger of falling as low as ninth.

Djokovic is seen as one of the greatest players in tennis history after winning a record 24 Grand Slam titles in his storied career - and has been a regular feature at the top of the rankings in his career.

However, the 37-year-old is currently fifth in the standings after limiting his schedule, last competing in the Six Kings Slam event in Saudi Arabia last month.

He will miss the chance to chase the rivals at the top of the leaderboard after an injury ruled him out of the ATP finals event in Turin, Italy this month.

Jannik Sinner currently tops the rankings, followed by Alexander Zverev - with Carlos Alcaraz in third and Danil Medvedev in fourth.

Djokovic said on social media: "I was really looking forward to being there, but due to ongoing injury I won't be playing next week. "Apologies to those who were planning to see me. Wishing all the players a great tournament. See you soon!"

The Serb explained in September that being top of the rankings was not a priority for him anymore, saying he was focused on being selective about which tournaments he played in and getting as much recovery as possible.

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"The ATP Finals and being at the top of the rankings are no longer objectives for me," Djokovic said.

"I do not know if I will play the Finals this year or next, but right now, what I need the most is physical, mental, and emotional rest to decide what comes next in my career, how much more I want to play, and where."

Despite his lower presence in the rankings, it is not expected to lead to be costly for Djokovic ahead of the Australian Open.

He is still on course to avoid elite rivals Alcaraz and Sinner until at least the quarter-finals thanks to his seeding.

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