How can Novak Djokovic qualify for ATP Finals SF after Jannik Sinner defeat?
Novak Djokovic is still in contention to qualify for the semifinals of the ATP Finals despite his defeat to Jannik Sinner.
The Serb's 19-match winning streak came to an end as he suffered a 7-5, 6-7(5), 7-6(2) loss to Jannik Sinner during the round-robin stage of the year-end championships in Turin. This was Djokovic's first defeat at the ATP Finals since 2021, when Alexander Zverev beat him in the semifinals.
Djokovic started this year's ATP Finals with a hard-fought 7-6(4), 6-7(1), 6-3 win over sixth seed Holger Rune, thus securing an eighth-year-end World No. 1 finish. But after his loss on Tuesday, the Serb is second in the Green group, with Jannik Sinner in first place.
Djokovic is tied on points with Holger Rune, who got his first win in Turin after Stefanos Tsitsipas retired early during their match.
There are a number of ways the Serb can qualify for the semifinals of the ATP Finals. The most straightforward way would be if he wins his final group fixture against Hubert Hurkacz and Jannik Sinner defeats Holger Rune. That way, he would finish second in the group behind Sinner.
Djokovic can also qualify if he defeats Hurkacz in straight sets and Rune also beats Sinner in straight sets. That way, Rune would top the group and Djokovic would finish second.
Another way for the Serb to reach the knockouts in Turin would be if he defeats Hurkacz in straight sets and Rune triumphs over Sinner in straight sets. In that situation, the games won percentage would come into play, and the Serb is currently second out of himself, Sinner, and Rune in that parameter.
If Djokovic beats Hurkacz in three sets, and subsequently Sinner beats Rune (in two or three sets) then Djokovic would still qualify - at the second position.
Novak Djokovic also stands a chance of being eliminated from the ATP Finals. That would happen if he loses his final match against Hubert Hurkacz and Rune beats Sinner.
He would also be knocked out if he beats Hurkacz in three sets and subsequently Rune beats Sinner (in either two or three sets).
If, however, Djokovic loses to Hurkacz and Rune loses to Sinner, then the sets won percentage would come into play.
Novak Djokovic will take on Hubert Hurkacz for the seventh time
Novak Djokovic will play his final round-robin fixture at the ATP Finals against Hubert Hurkacz. It will be the seventh meeting between the two, with the Serb having beaten the Pole in each of the six prior matches.
The most recent encounter between the two came in the fourth round of this year's Wimbledon, with Djokovic winning 7-6(6), 7-6(6), 5-7, 6-4.
Hurkacz is an alternate at the ATP Finals. He replaced Stefanos Tsitsipas in the Green Group after the Greek retired during his match against Holger Rune due to a back injury.