Novak Djokovic makes major scheduling decision in pursuit of ATP Finals qualification
Novak Djokovic has gained an official entry at the BNP Paribas Masters this year, where he is the defending champion.
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Novak Djokovic (Image via X)
Novak Djokovic is preparing to defend his title at the upcoming Paris Masters. He won his seventh title there last November by beating Grigor Dimitrov in straight sets. This was one of his six titles during a very successful 2023 season. The Paris Masters starts on October 28th, and Djokovic is on the entry list, needing to defend 1,000 ranking points.
Djokovic has a chance to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, which begin shortly after the Paris event. He is currently ninth in the Race to Turin, just outside the top eight spots needed to qualify. Playing in the Shanghai Masters this week could boost his chances of securing a spot and improving his ranking. The withdrawal of Alex de Minaur, currently in eighth place, may also work in Djokovic’s favor.
Entering the Paris Masters is a key move for Djokovic, who won a record seventh ATP Finals title last year. He has 1,300 ranking points to defend from the ATP Finals and is doing everything he can to make sure he qualifies for next year’s event. However, the competition will be tough, with all the top players set to compete.
The tournament will feature world No. 1 Jannik Sinner, No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, and other top players like Alexander Zverev, Daniil Medvedev, and Andrey Rublev. Taylor Fritz and Hubert Hurkacz are also in the field, along with protected ranking entrants Marin Cilic and Pablo Carreno Busta. The top 42 players in the world are expected to compete.
Novak Djokovic speaks Chinese language at the Shanghai press conference
24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic recently admitted that he still needs to improve his Chinese skills. As he plays at the Shanghai Masters in China, his first tournament there in five years, he shared his passion for tennis. Djokovic even participated in a fun PR event, playing a game on the Great Wall of China. When asked about his dedication to the game despite the later stages of his career, the Serbian expressed in Chinese.
My love for tennis is as deep as ever.
Novak Djokovic said in Chinese at the pre-tournament press conference in Shanghai
Switching back to English, Djokovic joked about his struggle with the language. He said that he had forgotten some Chinese after being away for so long and needed to practice again. He then tried another sentence in Chinese, wishing peace to everyone, before confirming in English that he got it right this time. He spoke fondly of the support he’s received from Chinese fans.
Djokovic praised the unique and passionate fans in China. He mentioned how they wait for him daily, give him gifts, and fill him with love and energy. Their dedication and enthusiasm are something he had been looking forward to experiencing again. He expressed how much he’s enjoying his time in the country.
The tennis star also shared his love for Chinese culture and food. He jokingly credited his success in the Asian tournaments to his fondness for dumplings and the Chinese language. Djokovic is set to face American player Alex Michelsen after receiving a bye in the first round.
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Fahad Hamid
(660 Articles Published)