The state of ATP Finals Race to Turin as pivotal day awaits in Paris for qualification hopes

Alex de Minaur has taken a big step towards qualifying for the ATP Finals which are set to take place in two weeks in Turin. The World No.10 has been one of many chasing a final spot this week.

De Minaur sits just inside the top eight and also covers himself to move up again if Novak Djokovic decides to withdraw from the tournament. He is the main unknown as of right now. But the Aussie did his job. He saw off Jack Draper 5-7, 6-2, 6-3 to progress to the Quarter-Finals.

He ended Draper's slim hopes in the process of qualifying himself for Turin with the World No.15 needing the title to do so. He has now climbed above Andrey Rublev into the eighth and final spot. He is 25 points clear and can now also leapfrog Casper Ruud and Novak Djokovic. He does so if he reaches the semi-finals.

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“You can never say ‘job done’ in the middle of a tournament, that’s not in my DNA,” he said.

“Obviously I’m super stoked with the win today, but I will keep on doing my best and keep on trying to win more matches.

“It took every ounce from me and I am just happy I was able to rally. I’m going to put my body on the line, try my hardest, show my opponent that I can do that all day.

“I needed to bring that intensity because Jack is a hell of a competitor, playing with so much confidence right now.”

A big win for Grigor Dimitrov saw him look towards ninth place and he will be one of those hoping that Djokovic doesn't bother playing. The great Serbian has previously said that he is unlikely to and is currently in the Maldives with the season ender not on his radar when it comes to his truncated schedule.

Holger Rune and less so Stefanos Tsitsipas likely both need a title to seal their spot. The Greek is more likely to benefit from a Djokovic withdrawal if he adds points today and sees off Alexander Zverev. But Rune will need a lot more starting today against De Minaur.

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Current state of ATP Race

6. Novak Djokovic – 3,910

7. Casper Ruud – 3,855

8. Alex de Minaur – 3,745

9. Andrey Rublev – 3,720

10. Grigor Dimitrov – 3,340

11. Stefanos Tsitsipas – 3,165

12. Tommy Paul, United States – 3,145 (cannot qualify)

13. Holger Rune, Denmark – 2,725