ATP: Only Novak Djokovic looks fresh
In the current few weeks, some players are still qualifying for the ATP Finals in Turin. Only one seems to play with verve: Novak Djokovic .
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Oct 05, 2022, 11:29 am
The middle of autumn has always been rather tough, for most players in the tennis circus the tour to Asia is often more of an ordeal. Well paid, but also exhausting, combined with the change between time zones. Nevertheless, it was worth it in terms of points, especially for the men. Because the end of the Asia trip was the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Shanghai. Ground was made up again on the way to the ATP Finals, which have always taken place in Europe in the recent past.
However, Shanghai is missing again this year, new markets have opened up. For example in Astana, where the number one in the world, Carlos Alcaraz , gave a short appearance on Tuesday. Alcaraz lost to David Goffin in two sets and will only start again in Basel. The tournament in Switzerland starts parallel to the Erste Bank Open in Vienna on October 24th.
Medvedev and Tsitsipas uninspired
Almost three weeks break, that will do the Spaniard good. Alcaraz has played 63 matches this season, so despite clever planning they have accumulated a huge workload.Casper Ruud has got two games more, the Norwegian also said goodbye early this week. Ruud lost to Jaume Munar in Tokyo in round one. And then the question arose as to whether the idea of traveling to Asia was actually that good. Last week, the US Open finalist lost to eventual champion Yoshihito Nishioka in round two of the tournament in Seoul.
And so many professionals drag themselves through the final phase of the season once again. Rafael Nadal , the dominator of the first half of 2022, takes care of private things. Rather questionable whether Nadal will open again this year. Daniil Medvedev and Stefanos Tsitsipas seem honestly uninspired, Jannik Sinner is injured again. Alexander Zverev would like to, but still can't because of his ankle injury.
Djokovic is likely to be there in Turin
One of the few players who still looks really hot for the matches and is fit at the same time is Novak Djokovic. The reigning Wimbledon champion won the tournament in Tel Aviv by walking last week and is now taking on Astana. Although only placed fourth, but basically as a favorite. Djokovic has played very little tennis this year due to the known circumstances. And in all the remaining tournaments in which he still competes (so far only the 1000 in Paris-Bercy has been confirmed after Astana), the man to beat.
Incidentally, Novak Djokovic will most likely be present at the ATP Finals in Turin. Although he is currently only 15th in the race. But as the winner of a Grand Slam tournament, a finish among the top 20 players in the annual ranking is enough to secure a starting place.