Novak Djokovic’s bid to qualify for the ATP Finals received a boost when Rafael Jodar lost his opening match at the Paris Masters to Casper Ruud. The result leaves Djokovic with a chance to chase the final place at the season-ending event in Turin later this month.
Djokovic had looked in danger of seeing his hopes end after dropping the first set against Valentine Vacherot in his opening match in Paris. He also appeared to be troubled by a long-running shoulder problem, but came back to defeat the recent Basel ATP 500 champion.
Ruud beat Jodar 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 18 minutes, advancing to the third round and disrupting the ATP Finals qualification race. Ruud said indoor courts demand an aggressive approach, even if it brings more errors.
The result also confirmed Flavio Cobolli’s first qualification for the ATP Finals. Cobolli has withdrawn from the Paris Masters, following his withdrawal from last week’s Vienna tournament, and will have time to prepare for Turin.
If fit to compete, the ninth-ranked player in the ATP Race will take the final qualifying spot. Djokovic could face Alex de Minaur in the Paris last 16 if both win their next matches; they are currently ninth and tenth in the race, respectively. A win in that potential meeting would strengthen the winner’s position in the battle for Turin.
Tommy Paul, Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe also remain in contention. Djokovic may need to beat newly crowned world No. 1 Alexander Zverev to earn enough points, but his comeback against Vacherot has kept his qualification hopes alive.
Sources: Tennis365.