Novak Djokovic is close to securing a spot in the ATP Finals in Turin, where he has enjoyed remarkable success over the years. A seven-time champion, Djokovic is familiar with the pressures and prestige of the ATP’s year-end championships. But with his sights set elsewhere at this stage of his career, there are mounting questions about whether he will participate in this season’s event, should he qualify.
On Tuesday, American player Taylor Fritz became the fifth competitor to clinch his place in Turin after Andrey Rublev’s early loss at the Paris Masters. Rublev, who lost in two tie-break sets, 7-6(6), 7-6(5), to Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, took a substantial hit to his chances of securing his spot. The defeat marked a critical point for Rublev, who has struggled to find his top form in recent matches, jeopardizing his standing for the ATP Finals. With limited opportunities left, the Russian now holds onto the last qualifying position by a slim margin and is at risk of being overtaken by players like Australia’s Alex de Minaur.
De Minaur, who is just 125 points behind Rublev, began his Paris Masters campaign with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over Argentina’s Mariano Navone, signaling his intention to close the gap and seize the last qualifying slot. With each round potentially affecting the qualification lineup, all eyes are on the Paris Masters to see if De Minaur can build momentum and overtake Rublev for the spot.
Yet, as the battle for points intensifies in Paris, there remains an open question: if Djokovic qualifies, will he actually play in Turin? In recent weeks, Djokovic has suggested that his priorities lie elsewhere, stating in October that qualifying for the ATP Finals is “not [his] goal at all” at this stage of his career. Following his appearance in the Davis Cup, Djokovic downplayed the importance of qualifying events and rankings points, indicating a potential shift in his focus toward select tournaments rather than the ATP circuit as a whole.
“Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals; I am not chasing the rankings,” Djokovic explained. “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.” These comments marked a clear departure from his previous approach to year-end tournaments, with Djokovic openly emphasizing his commitment to playing for Serbia and his long-standing focus on Grand Slam events.
Further evidence of his shifting priorities came when Djokovic confirmed his decision to skip the Paris Masters, a tournament where he has been highly successful, having claimed the title seven times. “Unfortunately, I won’t be playing the Paris Masters this year,” he announced on social media, adding, “I have a lot of great memories, winning seven titles, and I hope to be back with you next year. Sorry to everyone who was hoping to see me there.” With this announcement, Djokovic effectively opened the door for other players to move up in the ATP Finals race, though Rublev’s early Paris exit has kept the Serbian legend’s path to Turin open.
Despite pulling out of Paris, Djokovic’s potential to play in Turin remains a real possibility, particularly as other top contenders falter. Casper Ruud’s loss to Jordan Thompson in the opening round of the Paris Masters further increased Djokovic’s chances of qualifying without actively competing in the tournament. If de Minaur is unable to surpass Djokovic’s points tally in Paris, Djokovic’s qualification for Turin could become a near-certainty, regardless of his recent absence on the court.
Yet the question remains: if Djokovic qualifies, will he take his place in the Finals? His withdrawal from Paris left some ambiguity. While he could have declared the end of his season entirely, Djokovic’s statements left open the possibility that he might play in Turin after all. For Djokovic, the tournament holds significance, as a successful run could allow him to tie Roger Federer’s record for the most ATP Finals titles, each holding seven currently. Additionally, a strong showing in Turin could serve as a fitting conclusion to another stellar season for Djokovic, which has included multiple Grand Slam victories and numerous other accolades.
The Serbian’s decision could ultimately hinge on his physical readiness and motivation. If he feels adequately prepared and sees value in competing, fans may see him return to the Finals stage. However, Djokovic has made it clear that he is moving away from a chase for ATP points and rankings, leaving his participation as much a matter of personal interest as professional achievement.
In Turin, the year-end ATP Finals bring together the best of the season to compete for one final accolade, with two groups of four players each battling it out in a round-robin format before advancing to the semifinals. Djokovic’s presence would not only enhance the level of competition but would also heighten the significance of the event for fans worldwide. However, if Djokovic decides to skip Turin, Rublev, de Minaur, or another top player could fill his place, changing the dynamic of the competition and providing a fresh opportunity for new stars to shine on the year-end stage.
The draw for Turin, set to take place following the Paris Masters, may answer some of these lingering questions, but Djokovic’s ultimate decision may remain uncertain until the very last moment. Should he decide to compete, the ATP Finals could be yet another chapter in his storied career, showcasing his resilience and skill on a prominent stage. Conversely, if he opts out, Djokovic’s absence would symbolize the gradual shift in his focus from ATP events toward a more selective calendar that emphasizes Grand Slams and national representation.
For now, fans and fellow players alike are left to wonder: will Djokovic make an appearance in Turin, or will he choose to end his season early, paving the way for another competitor to take the coveted spot? The final answer may shape not only the upcoming ATP Finals but also hint at Djokovic’s evolving legacy in tennis.