World no. 1, Novak Djokovick has withdrawn from Paris Masters due to an injured shoulder.
The 24-year-old Serb suffered a recurrence in his semi-final defeat to world No 35 Kei Nishikori in Basle last week.
Djokovic saw off countryman and Davis Cup team mate Viktor Troicki 4-6 6-3 6-1, to secure his place in the quarter-finals of the Paris Masters where he was due to face home favorite Jo-Wilfried Tsonga next.
However, the shoulder joint keeps bothering him, forcing him to pull out from the competition.
The timing of his withdrawal at this early stage still raises questions in some quarters about his motives for playing.
By turning up for his opening match at the Paris Masters, Djokovic is already ensured he would receive his due from the ATP’s annual bonus pool of US$ 1.6 million (£1million) designed to entice leading players to show up at top events.
Djokovic will now focus on his fitness ahead of the ATP World Tour Finals which take place in London, starting on November 20.
