Novak Djokovic is closing on qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin – but will the seven-time champion play in the end-of-season event?
Taylor Fritz became the fifth place to seal their play in the ATP Finals on Tuesday, as the American cemented his position after Andrey Rublev lost his opening match at the Paris Masters against Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo.
The 7-6(6) 7-6(5) win for Cerundolo represented a hammer blow to Rublev’s hopes of making the ATP Finals, with the Russian struggling to find form and consistency at this vital stage of the season.
Rublev is currently in the final qualifying place for the ATP Finals, yet he could be overtaken in Paris if Australian Alex de Minaur can enjoy a good run at the Paris Masters.
The Australian started his campaign in the final Masters tournament of the year in impressive fashion, as he beat Argentina’s Mariano Navone 7-5 6-1.
That moved De Minaur to just 125 points behind Rublev in the battle for the final place in the ATP Finals, but this story could change if Djokovic pulls out of the event in Turin.
He has made it clear that qualifying for the ATP Finals is no longer a priority at this stage of his career, with the 37-year-old offering up these comments last month.
“Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest, I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings,” he said after playing for Serbia in the Davis Cup.
“As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career. Whether I will play in other tournaments this year or in the future, I can’t say right now.
