"He probably knows Novak Djokovic isn't going" - Fans speculate about Felix Auger-Aliassime's 'shocking' decision after Paris Masters heartbreak

Felix Auger-Aliassime chose to withdraw from the Moselle Open following his loss in the Paris Masters final. Auger-Aliassime's decision came as a shock to a tennis journalist because the Canadian is yet to secure his place in the ATP Finals. Subsequently, fans began speculating, with some suggesting that the Canadian is aware that Novak Djokovic won't take part in the year-end event, even though the Serb himself is yet to confirm this.

On Sunday, November 2, Auger-Aliassime locked horns with Jannik Sinner for this year's Paris Masters title. Even though the Canadian threw everything he had at the Italian, ultimately, it wasn't enough, as the latter won the match 6-4, 7-6(4) to not only win the Paris Masters for the first time, but also to reclaim the World No. 1 ranking. Later, Auger-Aliassime announced his withdrawal from the ATP 250 Moselle Open in Metz.

Tennis journalist Jose Morgado took to X (formerly Twitter) to express his shock at the Canadian's decision, writing:

"Felix-Auger Aliassime quite shockingly WITHDRAWS from Metz. It’s Musetti who now decides their fate 🤯🤯"

As things stand in the ATP Live Race to Turin, Felix Auger-Aliassime occupies the eighth and final qualifying spot for this year's ATP Finals. Just below him is Lorenzo Musetti, who is set to take to the court at the Hellenic Championship in Athens. If Musetti wins the title in Athens, he will leapfrog Auger-Aliassime in the Live Race to Turin.

Some fans on X speculated that Novak Djokovic, who is also participating in Athens, will withdraw from the ATP Finals, and this would allow the Canadian to play at the year-end event. The Serb is currently in fourth position in the Live Race to Turin. In case the former No. 1 and 24-time Major champion does withdraw from Turin, both Musetti and Auger-Aliassime will qualify for the ATP Finals.

"He probably knows that Nole isn't going to Turin," one fan wrote. "I’m guessing they know the Novak isn’t playing," commented another. "Very probable that Djokovic will pull out of Turin. Meaning that Musetti and FAA will both qualify," another fan chimed in. "He knows Musetti can’t win jack s**t," one opined. "He is protecting his body. It’s not worth the hassle," added another. "Felix will be far better off for the ATP Finals, should he make it, with some rest beforehand. If Musetti manages to get there, so be it," weighed in yet another fan.

"I've had many physical issues at Paris Masters" - Felix Auger-Aliassime explains decision to withdraw from Moselle Open in Metz

Felix Auger-Aliassime delivers the runner-up's speech at the 2025 Paris Masters (Source: Getty)

At the very end of his post-match press conference following his loss to Jannik Sinner in the Paris Masters final, Felix Auger-Aliassime confirmed that he wouldn't be playing in Metz. According to the Canadian, he struggled with physical issues throughout his campaign in the French capital and doesn't want to put his health in further jeopardy, even if that means missing out on the ATP Finals.

"I struggled physically this week. I don’t talk about it much, but I’ve had many physical issues this week. My physical condition and health are truly my priority. They come before qualification. If I qualify, great. If not, Lorenzo will deserve his spot. But this is my decision," Felix Auger-Aliassime said.

Meanwhile, Musetti, the second seed in Athens, will begin his campaign in the second round against either Stan Wawrinka or Botic van de Zandschulp.

Edited by Sudipto Pati