Novak Djokovic is set to unite with Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and Holger Rune in Saudi Arabia.
Novak Djokovic in Slovenia (Images via X)
Former World No.1 Novak Djokovic is on course to enter Saudia Arabia for the inaugural Six Kings Slam. He will reunite with Rafael Nadal, Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev, and Holger Rune.
However, the Serbian was spotted in Slovenia, where he was eating at a Ljubljana restaurant (Barbarella Juicebar) before attending a lecture. Djokovic was with his wife, Jelena, in Slovenia before his trip to the Middle East.
In Saudi Arabia, all eyes will be on Nadal, who announced his retirement last week. The Spaniard revealed that the Davis Cup will be his final ATP event.
Novak’s in Slovenia with Jelena today.
(He’s not in a hurry to join other “kings” in Riyadh) pic.twitter.com/m5D4eoRU1F
Djokovic, along with many current and former players, paid tribute to Nadal’s legendary career on social media and in news outlets. Nadal’s last official singles match was against Djokovic in the second round of the Paris Olympics.
Novak Djokovic did not win his 100th tour-level title at the Rolex Shanghai Masters, but he left China with important points for the PIF ATP Live Race to Turin. The Serbian arrived at the tournament ranked ninth in the Live Race but moved up to sixth by reaching the final. This puts him in a strong position to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals, which will take place from November 10-17 in Turin.
Djokovic is now 605 points ahead of Alex de Minaur, who is in ninth place, just outside the qualification spots for the season finale. At 37, Djokovic is aiming to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the 17th time. Only Roger Federer (18) and Rafael Nadal (17) have achieved this many qualifications. Djokovic also holds the record for the most titles at the event, with seven wins.
Several players ranked just below the Serbian are competing this week to secure their spots. Casper Ruud, in seventh, and Andrey Rublev, in eighth, are in action at the BNP Paribas Nordic Open in Stockholm. Ruud will overtake Djokovic in the Live Race if he reaches the Stockholm final.
Meanwhile, de Minaur, who is 275 points behind Rublev, can gain ground at the European Open in Antwerp. De Minaur is trying to qualify for the Nitto ATP Finals for the first time. Grigor Dimitrov, Tommy Paul, and Stefanos Tsitsipas ranked 10th through 12th, are also competing this week to improve their chances of making it to Turin.
