With the US Open 2023 and Novak Djokovic’s 24th major success, the last big event of the season is history. However, the ATP Finals in Turin follow. And only three players are definitely qualified.
by Jens Huiber
last edited: September 11, 2023, 8:39 p.m
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Alexander Zverev has already won the ATP Finals twice
Let’s assume that any player would have won one of the four Grand Slam tournaments and would not have played a single tournament otherwise. Then this player would currently be in position 14 in the Race to Turin. The majors are the best opportunity to collect prize money and points, and these opportunities are currently closed for the current season.
Which only makes the developments in the Race to Turin even more exciting. Because none of the still trembling candidates could really use the US Open 2023 to their advantage. What a look at the semi-final line-up also shows: there were three players, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev, who had already got their ticket to Turin before (or in Medvedev’s case) during the tournament. Only Ben Shelton was the breakaway. The 720 points for the semifinals put the American in 17th position in the race. But Shelton would now have to go on an incredible run if he were to qualify for the unofficial world championship.
Sinner can plan with a home game
There are still a few options: two ATP Masters 1000 tournaments in Shanghai and Paris-Bercy. And then the 500s in Beijing, Tokyo, Vienna and Basel. Successes in the 250cc events like in Chengdu or Stockholm will not make the herb fat.
So who has the best chances after the three people who have already qualified? Jannik Sinner can plan his home game almost immediately. The South Tyrolean has scored 4,365 points so far, so the chances of being overtaken by five more players are theoretical.
Things are also looking very good for Andrey Rublev (3,640) and Stefanos Tsitsipas (3,570). But then the big punching and stabbing begins.
Can an outsider like Hurkacz still get ahead?
Holger Rune, who started the year so well and didn’t score anything in the summer, is still in seventh place with 3,055 points, followed by Alexander Zverev (3,030). Close behind: Taylor Fritz with 3,010 points – and therefore currently the first substitute. Rune held this role in 2022 while Fritz made his debut. Zverev is an old hand and has already won this event in both London (2018) and Turin (2021).
Then a hole of almost 400 points opens up before another three-man combo follows: Casper Ruud (2,625), Alex de Minaur (2,505) and Tommy Paul (2,435). Ruud only failed in the final against Novak Djokovic in Turin last year; participation in the season finale would be a first for Paul and de Minaur.
And who else could get a run? Hubert Hurkacz comes to mind, currently number 16 in the race with 1,775 points. Or Frances Tiafoe, who has already collected 2,210 points. And the first pursuer of compatriot Paul is.
Here is the current status in the Race to Turin
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Zverev Alexander Djokovic Novak Tsitsipas Stefanos Fritz Taylor
2023-09-12 06:03:00
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