In about a fortnight, the Nitto ATP Finals 2024–the premier year-end tennis event alongside the Davis Cup–will take center stage in the Italian city of Turin. This tournament will showcase the season’s top eight players, yet the final lineup remains uncertain as the event approaches.
Only Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev have guaranteed their spots in Turin. Nevertheless, Monday will see the commencement of the last Masters 1000 event of the year, the Paris Rolex Masters, presenting a final opportunity for players to secure participation.
The top eight qualifiers consist of the year’s highest-ranked men in the ATP Rankings as of 9 November, based solely on points accumulated in 2024. This includes results from Grand Slam events, ATP Masters 1000 tournaments, and other prestigious competitions. No points were awarded during the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
The ongoing Rolex Paris Masters will be crucial in determining the additional participants.
Who Can Still Qualify for the ATP Finals?
Fritz Leads the Pack
Taylor Fritz is well-positioned to return to the season finale from November, marking his second appearance. In 2022, the American advanced to the semifinals in Turin. He can guarantee qualification with just one match win in Paris, but will likely get in anyway unless the draw progresses perfectly to lock him out.
Novak Djokovic still has a chance to qualify, but after withdrawing from the Paris Masters on Wednesday, the competition for a spot in Turin has become even more intense.
Other competitors still vying for a place in the ATP Finals include Grigor Dimitrov, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Tommy Paul.
Others in Solid Position
Casper Ruud is on the verge of surpassing Djokovic, as a single win in Paris would boost him to sixth place. The Norwegian has a solid opportunity to secure his place in Turin if he can regain his form, which has proven difficult for him during this final season phase, particularly on indoor hard courts where his performance has dipped.
Andrey Rublev is also struggling with confidence after his quarterfinal loss in Basel. He is still ranked eighth in the Race, which is the last qualifying position, but there are no assurances he will maintain it.
Several players trailing him could displace him if he falters in Paris, especially Alex de Minaur, who is just 165 points behind. Therefore, a loss for Ruud would benefit Rublev by allowing him to move up at least one position. de Minaur would need to reach the quarterfinals to earn 180 points.
The Rest
Grigor Dimitrov, Tommy Paul, and Stefanos Tsitsipas are other competitors who still have an opportunity to secure a spot in Turin.
Tsitsipas must claim the title in Paris, while Dimitrov and Paul must reach at least the final. The outcome also hinges on the points earned by those ranked above them. If Rublev wins even one match, Dimitrov or Paul would need to win the title to pass him.
In short, Paris presents yet another crucial chance for them to secure their places in Turin. However, participation in next week’s tournaments in Metz and Belgrade (both are 250 level) for additional point accumulation remains possible.
Ultimately, they must rely on their performances to make it to Turin.
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-USA TODAY Sports
