Novak Djokovic will not seek the title defense at the ATP Finals in Turin next week. Novak withdrew from the final event of the season, leaving Andrey Rublev, Casper Ruud, and Alex de Minaur as the final passengers to Turin. Three mentioned players entered this week’s ATP 250 events in Metz and Belgrade, seeking crucial points in their quest to wrap up the year in the top-8 and compete in Turin. With Djokovic’s withdrawal, they do not need to compete a week before the premium event. Thus, de Minaur withdrew from Belgrade, packing his bags and flying toward Italy for his ATP Finals debut.
Alex de Minaur, Acapulco 2024© Stream screenshot
Alex’s rise in 2024
Like two years ago, world no. 8 stands on 47 wins this season. Unlike in the past, Alex has reduced the number of defeats, lifting two titles this season and playing well on the notable scene to earn a spot in Turin. The Sydney native made a great start to the season in front of the home crowd in Australia, notching three top-10 victories over Taylor Fritz, Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Seeking glory at the Australian Open, Alex fell to Andrey Rublev after a massive battle, leading two sets to one before losing ground in sets four and five. De Minaur served revenge in Rotterdam and defeated Grigor Dimitrov en route to a place in the final.
Alex de Minaur, Acapulco 2024© Stream screenshot
The Aussie could not lift the trophy, falling to Jannik Sinner after a tight battle. Two weeks later, Alex claimed the ATP 500 title in Acapulco over Stefanos Tsitsipas, Jack Draper and Casper Ruud. The Sydney native fell in the last 16 in Indian Wells and Miami before battling against Novak Djokovic in the Monte Carlo quarter-final and losing a roller coaster. De Minaur defeated the king of clay, Rafael Nadal, in Barcelona before the Spaniard responded in Madrid. The Aussie notched the Roland Garros quarter-final and conquered ‘s-Hertogenbosch for his second title of the season.
The 25-year-old made another Major quarter-final at Wimbledon, withdrawing before facing Novak Djokovic after suffering a hip injury in the previous round. Alex missed the Olympic Games, Toronto and Cicninnati, returning at the US Open and collecting his third consecutive Major quarter-final. He fell to Jack Draper in straight sets but earned vital points while chasing a spot in Turin. The Aussie added 400 ATP points to his tally in Vienna and Paris, doing enough to punch the ATP Finals ticket without competing in Belgrade and losing energy.