If Novak Djokovic qualifies for and participates in the 2024 ATP Finals, he will continue to tie and break records. If he does not qualify, or even qualifies but chooses not to play an historic run comes to an end. With just under two months to go in the Race to Turin, 2024 is poised to be a historic year for Djokovic and the ATP Finals either way.
Currently Djokovic, after a season in which he finally won Olympic gold but no other silverware, sits in ninth place, just one slot outside the cut as the top eight point earners qualify for the 2024 event. Djokovic is not scheduled play again until the Shanghai Masters 1000 event in October.
If He Qualifies…
If the 37-year-old Serb qualifies for the event, a brilliant run will continue. Last year, Djokovic won the event for a record seventh time, breaking the record he had shared with Roger Federer. He also set the mark as the oldest ever winner at age 36. More astonishingly still, Djokovic has more ATP Tour Finals Championships than all but one country. Five Americans combined hold 11 Tour Finals titles. No other country has more than Djokovic by himself.
In addition to attempting to add to his titles, if Djokovic plays, he will tie the record for most times playing the event at 17. In his 16 Finals appearances, Djokovic won 50 singles matches. While Federer leads in total matches won with 59, no other competitor in the history of the event reached 40 matches. Djokovic also holds the record for most consecutive titles with four, and he earned the #1 seed on eight separate occasions.
If He Doesn’t…
The last time the ATP Finals were contested without Djokovic, Federer and or Rafael Nadal was six years before Apple introduced the iPhone and two years before Carlos Alcaraz was born. That’s correct, at least one of the Big 3 has played in every ATP Finals since Roger Federer made his first appearance in 2002. This historic run will come to an end this year, unless Djokovic makes a move this Fall.
While Federer and Nadal are Djokovic’s career shaping rivals, it is only Federer that matches Djokovic at the ATP Finals. Together, these two stars won the event 13 times, made 19 finals appearances in the event and combined for 33 total appearances. For comparison, new superstars Carlos Alcaraz and world #1 Jannik Sinner have combined for two appearances. Each made their debut in 2023.
The time for a final bow at the ATP Finals must come sooner or later. After 21 years, is this the time?
While on the outside of qualification right now, Djokovic is not done. If he plays well at the Shanghai Masters 1000 event in early October, he might vault his way right back into the top eight. At the same time, it is reported that he is not overly concerned with the ATP Finals and may not be making it a priority.
As a 16-time entrant, seven-time winner and defending champion, Djokovic cannot be counted out. If he gets hot in October he may well qualify to be in Turin in November. Even if it is not a priority, he is lurking. History says he will be there, but then again all great runs come to an end.]
Main photo credit: Danielle Parhizkaran-USA TODAY Sports
