Key Takeaways
- Novak Djokovic remains in the hunt for the year-end event after capturing the China Open title and taking a wildcard for Basel.
- Former American players John Isner, Steve Johnson, and Sam Querrey projected on their podcast that Djokovic will qualify for Turin.
- Three places have already been claimed by Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton, with Jannik Sinner sidelined by an injury.
Race to the ATP Finals tightens as season nears conclusion
The competition to qualify for the year-end ATP Finals in Turin has intensified, with five remaining spots still open. Several leading players are aiming to collect the required ranking points during the final events on the calendar, including upcoming stops in Vienna, Basel, and the Paris Masters.
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton have already earned their places at the season finale. An additional opening emerged after Jannik Sinner brought an early conclusion to his campaign due to a knee problem.
Podcasters evaluate Novak Djokovic prospects
Novak Djokovic remains in contention for Turin following a season highlighted by a title run at the China Open, despite suffering an opening-match exit against Hubert Hurkacz at the Shanghai Masters. The former world number one recently accepted a wildcard to compete at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Analyzing the qualification battle on the Nothing Major Show, former American professionals debated whether the Serbian star would earn a spot. Sam Querrey expressed certainty regarding Daniil Medvedev, and Steve Johnson shared the same sentiment while backing two more contenders, stating, “I think Meddy is in. Meddy, [Arthur] Fils, Novak.”
John Isner concurred on Arthur Fils before evaluating the chances of American hopefuls Taylor Fritz and Tommy Paul, who sit outside the qualifying zone. Expressing confidence that the Serbian veteran will secure his ticket, Isner remarked, “something tells me Novak is sneaking in at that number nine spot.” Johnson similarly concluded that Djokovic would find a way across the line.
Novak Djokovic in 2026
Now ranked no.12, Novak played his last match on the 9th of October when he capitulated to world no.30 Hubert Hurkacz 6-4 6-3 in the 2nd round in Shanghai (draw).
Currently, during this season Novak achieved an overall 19-8 match record. The Serbian has won 1 title in Beijing.
