Alex de Minaur withdraws from the Belgrade Open the moment Novak Djokovic pulls out of the ATP Finals, locking de Minaur in as the first Australian at the year-end event since 2004.

Instead, Djokovic’s decision has spared him the trouble of a nail-biting final scrap with Rublev and Ruud, and given him, mercifully, a much-needed four-day break after three straight weeks of competition in Europe when, in truth, he’s not looked quite at his sharpest following the hip injury that’s dogged him since Wimbledon.

Defending champion Novak Djokovic pulls out of the ATP Finals because of injury, a move which sets the eight-man field for the event.

His absence means Norway’s Casper Ruud, Australian Alex de Minaur and Russian Andrey Rublev are all guaranteed spots in the 8-man event.

Citing an "ongoing injury," Novak Djokovic announces his withdrawal from the season-ending ATP Finals on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, the 37-year-old said he plans to prioritize majors and country-based tournaments for the rest of his career.