Djokovic could lose his $1.6 million bonus

Noval Djokovic will lose a cool $1.6million bonus if he decides not to take part in this week’s Paris Masters.

The world number one has enjoyed a stellar year, with 10 title victories including three Grand Slams and five Masters wins.

However, as an elite player the Serb is obliged to play all eight mandatory Masters series events in order to collect $2m from the bonus pool, and he has already missed Shanghai through injury.

That absence cost him $400,000, but should he decide to save his shoulder for the ATP World Tour Finals in London and skip Paris, he will receive no bonus payment at all.

Djokovic suffered the recurrence of a shoulder injury during his semi-final defeat in Basel at the weekend, and will leave it as late as possible before deciding whether to take on Ivan Dodig of Croatia on Wednesday.

“It’s a good problem to have, right, he’s already made 10 million bucks (on court) this year,” said world number four Roger Federer.

“Look, it’s up to him, really. Is money everything? Clearly not. Clearly helps, but I think he’s made so much this year it shouldn’t matter.

“It’s unfortunate that he would miss out on the bonus pool. Would he deserve it? Maybe, yes, because he’s fulfilled a lot of commitments this year and it’s been wonderful for the tour.

“But unfortunately, we do have these rules in place, and they need to be followed for any player, also for world number one.

“I don’t know how that all works out, but he’s clearly been great for the game, especially this year with all his records. I hope it’s all gonna work out for all parties.”

Federer returned from a six-week break to win the Swiss Indoors at the weekend and begins his Paris Masters campaign against Adrian Mannarino on Wednesday.