'Novak Djokovic won't turn up in Turin'- Andy Roddick makes bold prediction ahead of ATP Finals 2024
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Novak Djokovic is the defending champion in ATP Finals 2024.
Novak Djokovic has been featuring regularly in the ATP Finals since 2007. But this year there are doubts regarding his presence in the event. Former rival and world No #1 Andy Roddick has predicted that Djokovic will not be present in Turin for the season ending championship. He talked about Djokovic previously mentioning he might not play the event ever again.
During his ‘Served’ podcast Roddick felt that the Serbian could still surprise him, he said ‘ Novak is at the point of his career where he gets to play when he is motivated, he is not going to be interested in making a semi of any event. He wants to win slams, that’s it. So nothing would surprise me, but I bet you lunch that he won’t turn up in Turin.’
The former American player also brought up Djokovic being spotted enjoying a vacation in Maldives as he will need to be playing events in order to confirm his place in the elite eight. Roddick stated that the Serbian could still prove him wrong as he thought that Djokovic would not play in Wimbledon 2024 and the 37-year-old eventually went on to reach the final.
Also Read: Stefanos Tsitsipas fails to qualify for ATP Finals 2024 after quarter-final exit at Paris Masters
Novak Djokovic within touching distance of equalling ATP Finals record of Rafael Nadal
Djokovic had made his debut in the season ending championship in 2007. He has since then featured in all editions except in 2017 where he had to end the season early due to an elbow injury. The world No #5 is the most decorated champion in the event as of now with seven titles. But he could conquer yet another record if he manages to seal the spot this time.
Djokovic could equal the record of Rafael Nadal as he had qualified 17 times in the event. Roger Federer had qualified on 18 occasions and now Djokovic could come close to his record. But the chances look slim as Djokovic is not playing in the ongoing Belgrade Open or Moselle Open.
The 24-time grand slam champion is currently in sixth position in the race to Turin. The next four spots are occupied by Casper Ruud, Alex de Minaur, Andrey Rublev and Grigor Dimitrov. While Minaur is playing at the Belgrade Open, the other three are competing at the Moselle Open. With only three berths remaining, the qualification spots will be confirmed before the end of this week.
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