"Novak Djokovic is not the favorite to win the ATP Finals", says former Grand Slam winner Francesca Schiavone

Despite his dominant record in 2023 and ending the year as World No.1, Novak Djokovic isn't likely to win the ATP Finals, according to former Grand Slam winner Francesca Schiavone.

The Serbian fell to Jannik Sinner in the group stage at the ATP Finals in Turin, and secured a three-set win over tournament replacement Hubert Hurkacz in his final round-robin match. Nonetheless, Djokovic required Sinner to defeat Holger Rune in order to be assured of qualification.

A former World No.4 and 2010 French Open champion, retired Italian player Schiavone was asked to give her thoughts on compatriot Sinner and the chances of Djokovic lifting the title in Turin.

"They played a best of 3 sets match as if it were a challenge with Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Nole himself on the court, when we were all stuck in front of the TV admiring the Big 3," said Schiavone. "The only thing I wonder is whether the new one will succeed generation, that of Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz and Holger Rune to play matches like this at the best of 5 sets. If that were the case we would have reached the top again like ten years ago.

"In my opinion Djokovic is not the favorite to win the ATP Finals, but he has the ability to recruit not only strength but also concentration. Furthermore, the analysis he will make of the match played yesterday will allow him to go to the semi-final with a different spirit and another concentration, if he manages to win the match that awaits him tomorrow.

"He needs to have very high concentration and make the difference with his weapons: explosiveness at the right moment, being able to see the opposite half of the court much bigger than the current Alcaraz or Zverev."