Daniil Medvedev responds when requested if the ATP Finals should give Novak Djokovic a wild card

Novak Djokovic is at present preventing for an ATP Finals place.

The document seven-time champion at present sits eleventh in the ‘Live ATP Race to Turin’. To qualify for the ATP Finals, Djokovic (2,840 factors) must overtake Alex de Minaur (2,880 factors) and Rafael Jodar (3,159 factors).

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But as a legend of the sport, should Djokovic need to qualify for the tour finals? Every other occasion gives wild playing cards to former champions, so why can’t the ATP Finals do the same? 2020 ATP Finals champion Daniil Medvedev answered that query during an Almaty Open press convention when requested on behalf of Tennishead.

Daniil Medvedev does not think the ATP Finals should give Novak Djokovic a wild card if he fails to qualify

“No, I think no wild cards. The only thing, it is a wild card in a way: if you win a Slam and you’re not in the top eight, you get a spot, so that’s kind of a wild card already. I think this rule is good, and they should not add any other rule,” said Medvedev.

Medvedev does not believe the ATP Finals should award wild playing cards to gamers who fail to qualify for the occasion, but still backs Djokovic to problem for a top-eight spot.

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“Look, Novak still has two tournaments to try to make it, and in Beijing he played great. I didn’t see any of his matches in Shanghai. He has his chances,” he said.

“But if he’s there, everyone will be happy to see him there because also, he announced he’s going to play this year if he’s there. If he’s not, that’s a part of life; let’s see what next year can bring to him.”

Djokovic sits 319 factors outside the qualification locations. With the Swiss Indoors (500 factors) and the Paris Masters (1,000 factors) still to play, the Serb could yet e-book his place in the year-end finals.

Live ATP Race to Turin

Live ATP Race to Turin

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He certified in 2024 and 2025, although he selected not to compete. This yr, Djokovic desires to play the ATP Finals, but he could miss out. Only time will inform if he can choose up the factors he wants. Djokovic will return to motion at the Swiss Indoors, which begins on Monday, October 26.

Daniil Medvedev begins Almaty Open title defence with dominant win

Looking to add another 250 factors to his tally in his bid to attain the ATP Finals, Medvedev made the good begin in Almaty. The Russian defeated Sho Shimabukuro, 6-2, 6-1, in 52 minutes.

“Usually, I like playing indoors; it was a great match, great score, great timing, happy with my level, and looking forward,” said Medvedev during his post-match interview when requested how he’s tailored to the situations indoors.

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Daniil Medvedev vs Sho Shimabukuro – Match stats

Daniil Medvedev vs Sho Shimabukuro – Match stats

The Russian was then requested to mirror on last yr’s Almaty Open, where he won his first ATP title since the 2023 Italian Open, defeating Corentin Moutet in the last.

“I was in a bit of a different position last year; I hadn’t won a title in a long time, so, for sure, especially coming into the final, I was a bit nervous. Here, it’s a bit different, but I’m chasing some other goals which require winning matches; I’m just trying my best and feeling great so far,” he said.

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Medvedev will return to take on the Frenchman Terence Atmane in the Almaty Open quarter-finals on Friday, October 23. He could then meet Alexander Bublik, Fabian Marozsan, or Karen Khachanov in the semis.