The 2023 Nitto ATP Finals competitors were welcomed in regal fashion in Turin, but who will remain on the throne come week’s end at the Pala Alpitour?
Few may look past the idea of Novak Djokovic becoming champion for a record seventh time next Sunday at the prestigious season finale.
He joined his fellow qualifiers — Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, Jannik Sinner, Andrey Rublev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Alexander Zverev and Holger Rune — at the Royal Palace of Turin on Friday for the singles champions’ reception, and the World No. 1 was in a history-making mood.
“I’m playing at a very high level, so records are there, obviously as a huge inspiration, no doubt, and [the] history of the sport,” Djokovic told ATP Media.
“I still want to create my own history and history of tennis and see how far I can go.”
Djokovic may not have to wait until the final to break barriers in Turin. The 36-year-old needs just one match victory to secure the coveted ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone for a record-extending eighth time, an achievement that would also guarantee he spends his 400th week overall atop the Pepperstone ATP Rankings from 20 November.
There is a new generation of Nitto ATP Finals competitors who are out to spoil Djokovic’s week in Italy, however.
Alcaraz and Holger Rune, both 20, are making their respective debuts at the season finale, while 22-year-old Jannik Sinner will hope to channel home support in his first appearance as a direct qualifier at the event.
Credit: ATP Tour
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