Key Takeaways
- Novak Djokovic defeated Alex de Minaur in the China Open final to claim his first title of the year and earn 500 ranking points.
- Djokovic sits ninth in the standings on 2,840 points but occupies the final qualifying berth for Turin due to Jannik Sinner withdrawing through injury.
- With Masters 1000 events remaining in Shanghai and Paris, Djokovic leads De Minaur by 150 points as he opens in Shanghai against Hubert Hurkacz or James Duckworth.
Beijing triumph propels Serbian star into qualification territory
Novak Djokovic captured his first tournament victory of the year by overcoming Alex de Minaur in the China Open final. The victory delivered 500 ranking points, moving the Serbian into contention for the season-ending ATP Finals in Turin.
Djokovic previously confirmed during the week that he aims to compete at the tournament should he secure a place, having chosen not to take part in the 2024 and 2025 editions. Although he sits ninth in the live standings on 2,840 points, he occupies the eighth and final qualification berth because Jannik Sinner has withdrawn as a result of injury.
Current standings in the Race to Turin
Djokovic holds a narrow 150-point cushion over De Minaur, while Rafael Jodar sits 171 points behind the Australian. A congested chasing group remains in pursuit, with Taylor Fritz, Jakub Mensik, Tommy Paul, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Brandon Nakashima all sitting within 565 points of Djokovic.
| Rank | Player | Country | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alexander Zverev | Germany | 8,750 | Qualified |
| 2 | Jannik Sinner | Italy | 7,950 | Will not play |
| 3 | Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | 4,560 | Qualified |
| 4 | Ben Shelton | USA | 4,430 | Currently qualifying |
| 5 | Flavio Cobolli | Italy | 3,540 | Currently qualifying |
| 6 | Frances Tiafoe | USA | 3,380 | Currently qualifying |
| 7 | Arthur Fils | France | 3,285 | Currently qualifying |
| 8 | Daniil Medvedev | Russia | 3,020 | Currently qualifying |
| 9 | Novak Djokovic | Serbia | 2,840 | Currently qualifying |
| 10 | Alex de Minaur | Australia | 2,690 | Not currently qualifying |
| 11 | Rafael Jodar | Spain | 2,519 | Not currently qualifying |
| 12 | Taylor Fritz | USA | 2,490 | Not currently qualifying |
| 13 | Jakub Mensik | Czechia | 2,405 | Not currently qualifying |
| 14 | Tommy Paul | USA | 2,385 | Not currently qualifying |
| 15 | Felix Auger-Aliassime | Canada | 2,375 | Not currently qualifying |
| 16 | Brandon Nakashima | USA | 2,275 | Not currently qualifying |
Upcoming Masters events and historical context
With 1,000 ranking points available at both Shanghai and Paris, Djokovic faces pressure to produce strong results in at least one of the remaining Masters 1000 tournaments to seal his place. Failing to make the field would mark his first non-qualification in nine years, having last missed out in 2017 when he finished 12th.
| Rank | Player | Country | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rafael Nadal | Spain | 10,645 | Qualified |
| 2 | Roger Federer | Switzerland | 9,005 | Qualified |
| 3 | Alexander Zverev | Germany | 4,410 | Qualified |
| 4 | Dominic Thiem | Austria | 3,815 | Qualified |
| 5 | Marin Cilic | Croatia | 3,805 | Qualified |
| 6 | Grigor Dimitrov | Bulgaria | 3,650 | Qualified |
| 7 | Stan Wawrinka | Switzerland | 3,150 | Did not play |
| 8 | David Goffin | Belgium | 2,975 | Qualified |
| 9 | Jack Sock | USA | 2,765 | Qualified |
| 10 | Pablo Carreno Busta | Spain | 2,615 | Did not qualify |
| 11 | Juan Martin del Potro | Argentina | 2,595 | Did not qualify |
| 12 | Novak Djokovic | Serbia | 2,585 | Did not qualify |
| 13 | Sam Querrey | USA | 2,535 | Did not qualify |
Seven-time champion targets return
Djokovic holds the record of seven tournament victories at the ATP Finals, lifting the trophy in 2008, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2022, and 2023. His immediate focus shifts to the Shanghai Masters, where he opens his campaign against either Hubert Hurkacz or James Duckworth in the second round.
ATP Shanghai - Novak Djokovic's projected path
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Currently the world no.11, Novak played his last match on the 6th of October when he defeated world no.9 Alex De Minaur 7-6(3) 0-1 in the final in Beijing to win his 102nd career title.
Until now, during this year Djokovic owns a composed 19-7 match record. Djokovic clinched 1 title in Beijing.
