Novak Djokovic and Alex de Minaur are among the contenders battling for a spot at the upcoming ATP Finals in Turin, where only eight players will make the cut. Three positions have already been secured by Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz, and Ben Shelton.
Boost in the Race to Turin
With Jannik Sinner finishing his season early, his spot is up for grabs, providing an unexpected advantage for both Djokovic and De Minaur. The Serbian star and the Australian competitor sit right behind ninth-placed Rafael Jodar in the standings, with De Minaur in 10th and Djokovic in 11th. Both players now have the opportunity to surpass Jodar following his surprising defeat at the Swiss Indoors Basel.
Jodar faced Valentin Vacherot in the round of 16 of the ATP 500 tournament, losing 6-7(4-7), 6-2, 5-7(5-7). This loss damages Jodar’s qualification chances while giving his closest rivals a significant opening. Djokovic competes against Jan-Lennard Struff in the same round in Basel, while De Minaur has already advanced to the quarterfinals of the Vienna Open.
Rivals and Upcoming Schedule
Frances Tiafoe also benefits from Jodar’s elimination after suffering a setback of his own with a loss to Lorenzo Musetti in his Vienna opener. The developments also aid Daniil Medvedev, Flavio Cobolli, and Arthur Fils, who occupy the fifth, sixth, and seventh positions in the Race to Turin.
Meanwhile, American players Tommy Paul and Taylor Fritz continue to apply pressure on the leading pack. Paul reached the Vienna quarterfinals after defeating Luciano Darderi in 48 minutes, and Fritz remains active in the Basel tournament.
The cut-off for the ATP Finals will take place at the Paris Masters, which is scheduled for November 2-8, before the year-end tournament runs in Italy from November 15-22.
