Will Djokovic Seize Control In Battle For Year-End No. 1?
Could Novak Djokovic take a firm grip on pole position in the battle for year-end No. 1 this fortnight? Stefanos Tsitsipas opened the door for the Serbian on Monday at Wimbledon.
The Greek's first-round exit at SW19 did more than just send the Greek star out of the tournament. It opened up an opportunity for Djokovic to press home his advantage in the FedEx ATP Race To Turin, which this year will determine year-end No. 1.
Entering the grass-court Grand Slam, Djokovic (5,170 points) had a 610-point lead over second-placed Tsitsipas (4,560) in the Race, leaving the 2019 Nitto ATP Finals champion in striking range. Now, the Serbian, who could add an additional 2,000 points by winning the Wimbledon title, has a chance to pull well ahead of the field. as he pursues a record-breaking seventh year-end No. 1 finish.
Andrey Rublev (3,070) is third in the Race, and he began 2,100 points behind Djokovic. Fourth-placed Alexander Zverev has 3,015 points. The Race will also determine the eight players who will compete at the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, Italy from 14-21 November.
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Djokovic’s idol, Pete Sampras, finished year-end No. 1 six consecutive years from 1993-98. The Serbian can become the first player to achieve the feat seven times.
Djokovic defeated home favourite Jack Draper in four sets on Monday to make a good start at Wimbledon, where he is trying to win his sixth trophy. The 34-year-old has finished year-end No. 1 in 2011, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2018 and 2020.