Novak Djokovic makes big scheduling decision in ATP Finals qualification quest

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning the 2023 Paris Masters
Novak Djokovic holds up the trophy after winning the Paris Masters.

Novak Djokovic has entered the upcoming Paris Masters as he looks to defend his title and ensure qualification for the ATP Finals.

Djokovic won a record-extending seventh title in Bercy last November, defeating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets to win the sixth of his seven tour titles across a hugely successful 2023 season.

And the Serbian is on the official entry list for this year’s event in Paris, which will start on October 28th.

World No 4 Djokovic has 1,000 ranking points to defend at the tournament, and could be at risk of slipping further down the rankings should he fall early – or not play.

However, his main priority will likely be to ensure that he seals qualification for the ATP Finals in Turin, which begin just a week after action in Paris concludes.

Djokovic is currently ninth in the Race to Turin, just outside of an official qualification berth.

The 37-year-old is playing at the Shanghai Masters this week, which will likely help his chances of qualification and could also help his ranking – having skipped the event a year ago.

The Shanghai withdrawal of Alex de Minaur, currently in eighth place, may also work to the Serbian’s advantage in his quest to qualify for Turin.

However, his entry into Paris represents a significant step for Djokovic, who claimed a record seventh ATP Finals title last year.

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With 1,300 ranking points to defend from the year-end championships, it is evident that the 24-time Grand Slam champion is doing all he can to make sure he will return in 2024.

Djokovic’s quest for an eighth title in Paris will not be easy, though, with all of the ATP’s top players currently set to play in the event.

The field is led by world No 1 Jannik Sinner and world No 2 Carlos Alcaraz, the two reigning Grand Slam champions on tour who will be searching for their first Paris Masters title.

Joining them and Djokovic are world No 3 Alexander Zverev and world No 5 Daniil Medvedev, who won the title in 2020.

World No 6 Andrey Rublev, US Open runner-up Taylor Fritz, and Hubert Hurkacz – who is not defending his title in Shanghai this week – are also set to be in action.

The current top 42 players in the world are all entered, with Marin Cilic and Pablo Carreno Busta using their protected rankings to enter the main draw.

There are also four wildcard spots, a special exemption spot, and seven qualification places that will be filled before the main draw begins at the end of the month.

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