Serbian media are already sure that Novak Djokovic will return to play directly in 2025, regardless of the possible qualification – by the skin of his teeth – for the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, despite the absence of trophies obtained throughout the season, sweetened by a Slam final at Wimbledon and the gold medal at Paris 2024, even if this last result does not count for the world ranking.
But there were many doubts about the Serbian champion’s actual participation in the year-end Masters tournament. The 37-year-old has repeatedly declared that the ATP Finals is not his main goal for the year and has been spotted on holiday in the Maldives with his family. This latest clue should confirm Nole’s absence from the last year competition, even in the event of qualification.
The Race is very tight with three spots still available: there are 6 players currently in the running, including of course the Serbian champion. Djokovic will remain at 3910 points and is currently 55 points away from the current limit to get the pass, set at 3965. His resignation would allow other athletes to return, given that at that point the ninth place would guarantee actual participation and not the first place as a reserve.
While Tsitsipas and Paul are already sure that they cannot get into the top eight/nine, Holger Rune can still hope but he is called upon to conquer the French indoor cement tournament and the subsequent ATP 250 in Metz. Ruud, de Minaur and Rublev, as well as Dimitrov – a little behind in the rankings compared to the other three – will return to the field between Metz and Belgrade to try to catch up with the qualification.
