Novak Djokovic won a record-extending seventh ATP Finals title in 2023 – but will he defend his title in 2024?

With the Serbian having withdrawn from the Paris Masters, it is possible he may not qualify for the event – while rumours are circulating that he could still withdraw even if he is in the final eight.

Here, we look at a handful of players who could benefit if Djokovic does decide not to play.

Casper Ruud (3,845 points)

Ruud is currently seventh in the ATP Live Race, just one spot and 65 points behind No 6 Djokovic.

However, after a strong start to the season which saw him win two titles, reach a further three finals, and make the last four of Roland Garros, the Norwegian’s form has tailed off in recent months.

He has failed to make the last four of any event since the French Open and an opening-round loss at the Swiss Indoors to Roberto Bautista Agut has not helped his qualification chances.

He may still qualify even if he doesn’t go deep in Paris next week, but an extra cushion would not go amiss.

Andrey Rublev (3,670 points)

Few players have had a season as baffling as Rublev in 2024.

The Russian reached just one major quarter-final this season – at the Australian Open – and has been on the wrong side of several shock results.

However, he has still managed to win titles in Hong Kong and Madrid – his second Masters 1000 triumph – while reaching a big final in Montreal.

Rublev is currently eighth in the race and could move to sixth should he triumph in Basel, though Djokovic’s withdrawal would make his position a lot less precarious.

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Alex de Minaur (3,405 points)

Currently sitting in ninth, de Minaur could just miss out on an ATP Finals debut.

The Aussie has reached quarter-finals at the French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open this year, alongside a Round of 16 showing in Melbourne and titles in Acapulco and ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

However, the injury he sustained at Wimbledon has disrupted his second half of the season and weakened his position in the race.

De Minaur is in Vienna this week and a good result there and in Paris would likely be enough, though Djokovic’s withdrawal could effectively ensure his spot in Turn.

Grigor Dimitrov (3,150 points)

Currently 10th in the Live Race, ATP Finals qualification could be a step too far for Dimitrov at this point.

It has been a solid year for the Bulgarian who lifted the Brisbane International title back in January and has since reached a further three finals – including the Stockholm final last week.

However, injuries at the Wimbledon and US Open have scuppered his chances of earning more points, and he would have to make up ground even if the Serbian does pull out.

Dimitrov is currently in Vienna and will head to Paris following the end of his campaign in the Austrian capital.

Tommy Paul (3,135 points)

Few have been as consistent as US No 2 Paul in 2024, with the American progressing massively this season.

He reached just the second Grand Slam quarter-final of his career at Wimbledon and has won an impressive three titles in 2024, also reaching a further final.

A run to his fourth career title in Stockholm last weekend – beating Dimitrov – moved him to 10th in the race, and striking distance of the top eight.

However, he has been beaten in round one in Vienna and needs to make up significant ground in Paris next week, no matter what Djokovic decides to do.

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