Novak Djokovic faces a difficult route at the Paris Masters as he attempts to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin. Greg Rusedski has not ruled out the 39-year-old, but believes the draw could make his task particularly demanding.
Djokovic appeared close to securing qualification after winning the China Open in September. However, early defeats in Shanghai and Basel have damaged his position in the ATP Race. He enters the final Masters 1000 event of the season in 11th place with 2,900 points.
Alex De Minaur is currently ahead of Djokovic in 10th on 3,170 points, while Rafael Jodar occupies the final qualifying position with 3,194. Frances Tiafoe is also above Djokovic on 3,390 points and may have done enough to reach the season-ending tournament for the first time.
According to Rusedski, Djokovic will probably need to win the Paris Masters for an eighth time to qualify. His campaign begins against Basel champion Valentin Vacherot, with a possible second-round meeting with world No. 20 Luciano Darderi.
De Minaur, the eighth seed, could await Djokovic in the third round in a potentially decisive contest. A quarter-final against world No. 1 Alexander Zverev is also possible.
Speaking on Off Court with Greg Rusedski, the former world No. 4 described Djokovic’s section as “brutal” and said the faster conditions in Paris could nevertheless benefit him. Rusedski added that Djokovic would not be expected to qualify as an alternate and suggested the final place could ultimately be contested by De Minaur and Jodar.
Despite his assessment that Djokovic may need to win the tournament, Rusedski urged observers not to dismiss the 24-time Grand Slam champion, noting that he has often succeeded when expectations have been against him.
Sources: Tennis365.