Sport Discussed

By Ben Phillips 13/09/24

With the 2024 tennis season nearing its end, the race for the eight coveted spots at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin is intensifying. The new PIF ATP Race to Turin rankings have added fresh excitement and competition to the mix, as players jostle for the last few positions in the season-ending tournament. While Jannik Sinner and Alexander Zverev have already secured their places, the battle for the remaining six spots remains incredibly tight, with some of the biggest names in the sport still fighting for qualification.

Understanding the PIF ATP Race to Turin Rankings

The PIF ATP Race to Turin rankings determine which eight players will qualify for the prestigious ATP Finals. The rankings are based solely on points accumulated during the calendar year, offering a fresh slate for players to earn their way to Turin. Grand Slam results, ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, ATP 500s, and ATP 250 events all contribute to a player’s points tally. Here’s how the rankings currently stand:

1. Jannik Sinner – 9,000 points (Qualified)
   Sinner has had a breakout year, dominating on all surfaces and winning several big titles, making him the first to qualify for Turin. His consistent performances have earned him a well-deserved place at the top of the rankings.
2. Alexander Zverev – 6,115 points (Qualified)
   The German star has rebounded from injury to secure his spot. Zverev’s form, especially in the back half of the season, has been stellar, cementing his place as one of the top contenders for the ATP Finals.
3. Carlos Alcaraz – 6,000 points
   The Spanish sensation continues to impress, building on his remarkable 2022 season. With his all-court game and ability to perform under pressure, Alcaraz is nearly guaranteed a spot but will still need to secure his position in the final few events.
4. Daniil Medvedev – 4,420 points
   Medvedev has been consistent throughout the season, with strong results at the Grand Slams and Masters tournaments. He is well-positioned to qualify, though he’ll be keen to solidify his standing with a few more wins.
5. Taylor Fritz – 3,890 points
   The highest-ranked American in the race, Fritz has delivered solid performances on both hard and grass courts this year. He’s currently in a qualifying position but needs to remain focused to hold off the chasing pack.
6. Casper Ruud – 3,795 points
   The Norwegian has had a solid year but needs a strong finish to secure his place in Turin. His best performances have come on clay, and with fewer events left, Ruud will be looking to lock in his qualification soon.
7. Andrey Rublev – 3,480 points
   Rublev’s consistent results in 2024 have put him in contention, but with several players close behind, his qualification is far from certain. He’ll need a strong showing at the Paris Masters to ensure his place.
8. Alex de Minaur – 3,305 points
   The Australian speedster is currently holding on to the final spot but is under immense pressure from players like Djokovic and Dimitrov, who are closing in fast. De Minaur will need to dig deep in the coming weeks to stay in the top eight.
9. Novak Djokovic – 3,260 points
   One of the greatest players in tennis history, Djokovic finds himself in unfamiliar territory—on the verge of missing the ATP Finals. More on this below.
10. Grigor Dimitrov – 2,835 points
    The Bulgarian veteran has had a resurgent year and is still in with a chance of qualifying. A few strong performances could see him leapfrog into the top eight.
11. Tommy Paul – 2,735 points
    Paul has enjoyed a breakthrough season, but he faces an uphill battle to qualify for Turin. He will need a near-perfect run in the last few tournaments to have a shot.
12. Stefanos Tsitsipas – 2,735 points
    The Greek star has struggled with consistency this year, leaving him on the outside looking in. Tsitsipas will need a significant turnaround to book his place in Turin.

The Novak Djokovic Situation: A Shockingly Uncertain Path

Perhaps the most surprising storyline of the 2024 season is Novak Djokovic’s precarious position in the PIF ATP Race to Turin. The Serbian legend, a seven-time ATP Finals champion, currently sits in ninth place with 3,260 points, just 45 points behind Alex de Minaur in eighth. Djokovic is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, with 24 Grand Slam titles and a record-equalling six ATP Finals victories. Yet, as the season nears its conclusion, there is a very real possibility that he might not qualify for the tournament.

Djokovic’s year has been a mix of highs and lows. While he triumphed at the Olympics and reached the final of Wimbledon, he has struggled with injuries and inconsistency in other parts of the season, which has left him scrambling for points late in the year. A few uncharacteristic early exits in key tournaments such as the US Open have further jeopardized his chances of making it to Turin.

While many expect Djokovic to find his form in the upcoming Paris Masters and the final stretch of the season, the fact that he is not yet assured of a place in the ATP Finals is unprecedented. For a player who has dominated the tour for over a decade, missing out on Turin would be a seismic shock to the tennis world.

Djokovic’s absence would be felt not only by his fans but also by the tournament itself. His fierce rivalries with the likes of Sinner, Zverev, and Alcaraz have been some of the highlights of recent years. Without Djokovic in the mix, the ATP Finals would lose one of its greatest competitors. However, if Djokovic can secure his place, it will set the stage for another potential chapter in his storied career, as he aims for an eighth title at the prestigious event.

Looking Ahead

As the tennis world watches the final stretch of the season unfold, all eyes will be on the Paris Masters and the last few ATP events. For players like Rublev, Fritz, and Ruud, the task is simple: hold on to their positions and ensure qualification. For those like Djokovic, Dimitrov, and de Minaur, every match is now crucial as they battle for the final spots.

The 2024 Nitto ATP Finals promises to be an electric showdown, with the best players in the world competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles. As the race tightens, tennis fans can expect high drama in the coming weeks as the top players leave everything on the court to earn their place in Turin.