ATP Finals Blow: Novak Djokovic’s Turin Bid Hit by Jan-Lennard Struff Defeat

Basel loss dents Djokovic’s bid

Djokovic was beaten by Jan-Lennard Struff at the Swiss Indoors, putting his hopes of returning to the ATP Finals under pressure. The Serbian is chasing a 19th appearance at the season-ending event.

The loss leaves Djokovic 11th in the race standings. The top eight performers during the year qualify for the tournament in Turin.

Qualification race remains open

Rafael Jodar is ninth and currently occupies the final qualifying position because Jannik Sinner, the world number one, is injured and will not compete. Djokovic therefore remains outside the places that qualify on the standings.

Djokovic is aiming to surpass Roger Federer by reaching the finals for a 19th time. The event is scheduled to take place in Italy from 15 to 22 November.

Three players already confirmed

Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have secured places at the season-ending tournament. Shelton also suffered a surprise loss in Basel. Struff, ranked 27th in the world, said he knew he had to take his chances. “There was only one way to play it,” he said, adding that he was very happy with the result.