Novak Djokovic Basel loss dents ATP Finals hopes
The 39-year-old lost to Jan-Lennard Struff in Basel and is 11th in the ATP Race.
Novak Djokovic's bid for a record 19th ATP Finals appearance suffered a setback after a shock defeat to Jan-Lennard Struff at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Key takeaways
- Djokovic lost 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-7 (5) to Jan-Lennard Struff in Basel
- The 39-year-old is 11th in the ATP Race
- Rafael Jodar holds the ninth qualifying spot
- Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have confirmed places at the ATP Finals in Turin
- Djokovic can still improve his position at the Paris Masters in November
Novak Djokovic's hopes of making a record 19th appearance at the ATP Finals have been dented by a surprise defeat against Jan-Lennard Struff at the Swiss Indoors in Basel.
Playing in the tournament for the first time in 15 years, the 39-year-old lost 7-6 (4), 5-7, 6-7 (5). "I knew I needed to go for it. There was only one way to play it. So, I was very, very happy," said the world number 27.
"I knew I had to play my best tennis to have a chance. The last eight times he beat me very, very easily.
" The year's top-eight performers qualify for the ATP event in Turin and this result leaves Djokovic - the men's game's record 24-time Grand Slam winner - 11th in the standings. He is outside the top 10 for the first time since 2018.
Rafael Jodar holds the final qualifying spot in ninth place because number one Jannik Sinner is injured and will not take part. Djokovic is 319 points behind Jodar, although he has the opportunity at the Paris Masters in November to move up the rankings.
What happens next
Djokovic admitted he expected to feel "a little rusty" after his win against Frenchman Ugo Humbert on Wednesday, but now faces a fight to make the finals.
His last roll of the dice of the season will be at the Paris Masters, where the Serb will need at least a semifinal run to remain in contention.
Djokovic is aiming to move ahead of Roger Federer with his 19th appearance at the finals in Turin.
He has won the event a record seven times and has missed the past two editions with injury - but the last time he failed to qualify on merit was in 2017, when his season was affected by injury.
Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have their places confirmed for the showpiece event in Italy from 15-22 November, although American Shelton also surprisingly lost in Basel.
The top seed lost 6-3 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-1) to Swiss wildcard Jerome Kym, who is ranked 222nd in the world.
ATP Finals qualification standings
Player | Position | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
Rafael Jodar | 9th | 319 points ahead of Djokovic | Qualifying spot |
Novak Djokovic | 11th | 2890 points | Outside top 10 |
Alexander Zverev | Confirmed | Qualified | Turin |
Carlos Alcaraz | Confirmed | Qualified | Turin |
Ben Shelton | Confirmed | Qualified | Turin |
Related on Apex Sports News
Sources
Topics
Spotted an error? Read our corrections policy or use the flag button above. Our editorial standards explain how we report.
Discussion
Sign in or create a free account to join the discussion. Please follow our community guidelines.