Novak Djokovic sets his sights on ATP Finals despite Turin qualification still hanging in the balance
ATP
Novak Djokovic is still targeting another appearance at the ATP Finals, but the 39-year-old knows he has work to do before he can book his place in Turin. After surviving a difficult test against Yunchaokete Bu in Beijing, Djokovic admitted that he has not yet qualified for the season-ending tournament and remains undecided about whether he will play the upcoming Shanghai Masters.
The Serbian came back from a set down to defeat Bu 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-2 on Friday, extending his perfect record at the China Open to 31-0 and reaching the quarterfinals. He could face world No. 2 Alexander Zverev next, but Djokovic's attention is already turning towards the final weeks of the season.
Djokovic has confirmed that he plans to play the Paris-Bercy Masters and would like to compete at the ATP Finals if he qualifies. Shanghai, however, remains uncertain, with the 24-time Grand Slam champion wanting to assess how he feels after another demanding week in Asia.
That decision comes with Djokovic still outside the eight qualifying places for Turin. He currently sits 11th in the live Race, 50 points behind Taylor Fritz in 10th and 79 behind Rafael Jodar in ninth, while Daniil Medvedev occupies eighth after his Hangzhou title.
Djokovic still has work to do for Turin
Djokovic's position makes the final weeks of the season particularly important. He has played a relatively limited schedule in 2026, leaving him with fewer opportunities to collect points, while Shanghai could give him another chance to close the gap if he decides to compete.
Asked about his plans after Beijing, Djokovic made clear that Turin is still one of his objectives, but that his schedule has not been completely decided.
“For now, I don't really know. I haven't qualified for Turin yet either," the 24-time Grand Slam champion said in press conference. "This year, I'd like to play there if I qualify, and I've also planned to play Paris-Bercy. As for Shanghai, I don't know yet — I have to see how I feel here before making a decision.”
The comments underline the unusual position Djokovic finds himself in at this stage of his career. The Serbian has qualified for the ATP Finals 17 times and won the tournament a record seven times, but this year he still has to earn his place among the eight players who will compete in Turin.
His limited schedule has been partly shaped by physical problems, which have also affected his Grand Slam season. Djokovic reached the Australian Open final before losing to Carlos Alcaraz, then suffered a third-round defeat to Joao Fonseca at Roland Garros. He reached the Wimbledon semifinals, where Jannik Sinner stopped him, before losing to Mariano Navone in the first round of the US Open.
Novak Djokovic — ATP Finals finals (7-2)
| Year | Opponent | Result | Score |
| 2008 | Nikolay Davydenko | Win | 6–1, 7–5 |
| 2012 | Roger Federer | Win | 7–6(8–6), 7–5 |
| 2013 | Rafael Nadal | Win | 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2014 | Roger Federer | Win | Walkover |
| 2015 | Roger Federer | Win | 6–3, 6–4 |
| 2016 | Andy Murray | Loss | 3–6, 4–6 |
| 2018 | Alexander Zverev | Loss | 4–6, 3–6 |
| 2022 | Casper Ruud | Win | 7–5, 6–3 |
| 2023 | Jannik Sinner | Win | 6–3, 6–3 |
A final push after a difficult season
Djokovic then skipped Serbia's Davis Cup tie before returning to competition in Beijing, where he has now reached the quarterfinals. Even his latest win, however, was physically demanding, with Djokovic requiring medical attention during the match against Bu.
That physical element could therefore play a role in his next decision. Shanghai would offer another opportunity to gain Race points, but Djokovic has already made clear that how he feels in Beijing will determine whether he continues the Asian swing.
Read also
After Shanghai, Paris-Bercy will be his final scheduled Masters 1000 opportunity before the ATP Finals field is settled. With Djokovic currently outside the qualification places, the next few weeks could determine whether his season ends in Turin or earlier.
For now, Djokovic's objective is clear even if his schedule is not. He wants to return to the ATP Finals, but unlike in many previous seasons, reaching the tournament is something he still has to earn.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No more bullshit "Wildcards" to these two. Qualify like everyone else -- there will be cameras there, too. Time to scream... WTF ????!!!!
mandoist29-09-2026 - Let's not BS the general public -- Sabalenka started showing cracks in her game last season. Her losses and near-losses started at about the same time she began being distracted by Fame (constant Selfies, making TV commercials, magazine shoots, endless Social Media nonsense, etc., etc.) One would think even Saba could recognize the parallels with others who failed before her -- Raducanu, Giorgi, Bouchard to name a few.mandoist25-09-2026
- Gross!! Hey Raducanu, Giorgi, and Bouchard -- reserve a seat at your Social Media Selfie table for Saba + Naomi. They're heading in your direction soon enough.mandoist24-09-2026
- And then these same players will complain about how lengthy their season’s were and need more time-off. I’m all for more tennis but the amount of tennis we get now is actually kind of crazy! We all need a break, especially the players.DaveyWavey23-09-2026
- You should do a comparison article for "different kinds of justice" the courts decide for tennis players. I can think of at least three players who received very small bans of a few months, however Tara Moore has been fighting for her literal survival the past few years. It seems odd considering she is not a "name" player, unlike the other cases.DaveyWavey22-09-2026
- PRIZE MONEY & POINTS Winner - $185,500 Finalist - $114,500 Semi-Finalist - $66,003 Quarter-Finalist - $35,000 Round of 16 - $18,045 Round of 32 - $13,005 Winner - 500 Finalist - 325 Semi-Finalist - 195 Quarter-Finalist - 108 Round of 16 - 60 Round of 32 - 1DaveyWavey20-09-2026
- Pegula withdrew from this Singapore event
tennishappens19-09-2026 - Serena Williams chose her tournaments. It's not such a bad idea.MuswellHillbilly17-09-2026
- This child is just too fragile. Step away from tennis for a year. Get healthy, get fit; train hard;ranking be damned, and come back as strong contender. Anisimova did it. So can Emma.Rapunzel17-09-2026
- Double standards, what can be said!? Venus is p**ing on media and public. Can't face defeat. Cowerdness! Shouldn't be given any other wild cards ever. That's gross disrespect.DragosJacob16-09-2026
Loading