Daniil Medvedev has never been shy of vocalising his true feelings about important matters concerning the ATP Tour and tennis’ infrastructure.
Medvedev, the former world number one and 2021 US Open champion, was recently asked a pertinent question by Tennishead while competing at the Almaty Open in Astana, Kazakhstan.
Novak Djokovic is in danger of not qualifying for the 2026 ATP Finals; he is currently 10th in the race, 319 points behind Rafael Jodar in the eighth and final qualification spot.
Medvedev was asked whether the Serbian superstar should receive a wildcard for the ATP Finals, if he does not qualify for the end-of-year event.
Daniil Medvedev is right: the ATP Finals should not award wildcards to those who fail to qualify
“No, I think no wild cards. The only thing, it is a wild card in a way: if you win a Slam and you’re not in the top eight, you get a spot, so that’s kind of a wild card already,” Medvedev said at the Almaty Open following a question from Tennishead. “I think this rule is good, and they should not add any other rule.”
How would you feel if Novak Djokovic got a wildcard to the ATP Finals?
Is there any changes you’d make to the current qualification system?
“Look, Novak still has two tournaments to try to make it, and in Beijing he played great. I didn’t see any of his matches in Shanghai. He has his chances,” he added.
“But if he’s there, everyone will be happy to see him there because also, he announced he’s going to play this year if he’s there. If he‘s not, that’s a part of life; let’s see what next year can bring to him.”
Medvedev is absolutely correct in his assessment of the matter at hand.
Awarding wildcards for the ATP Finals would be a completely ridiculous addition to the event, making the entire year-long qualification process effectively redundant.
Of course, if anyone were to deserve an ATP Finals wildcard, it would be Novak Djokovic; the 24-time Grand Slam champion may never have another opportunity to compete in the event before retiring.
However, tennis as a sport must maintain some semblance of meritocracy, particularly when it comes to the ATP Finals – an event that flies in the face of special treatment.
Novak Djokovic’s ATP Final debut
In 2007, Djokovic made his first-ever ATP Finals appearance.
The future seven-time champion struggled on his debut, losing all three matches in the round robin phase.
The youngster, seeded third, was beaten by Rafael Nadal, David Ferrer and Richard Gasquet. Remarkably, Djokovic failed to win a set in any of the three contests.
Novak Djokovic’s seven ATP Finals titles
- 2008: defeated Nikolay Davydenko in the final, 6-1, 7-5
- 2012: defeated Roger Federer in the final, 7-6, 7-5
- 2013: defeated Rafael Nadal in the final, 6-3, 6-4
- 2014: defeated Roger Federer in the final via a walkover
- 2015: defeated Roger Federer in the final, 6-3, 6-4
- 2022: defeated Casper Ruud in the final, 7-5, 6-3
- 2023: defeated Jannik Sinner in the final, 6-3, 6-3
Roger Federer won the title, beating Ferrer in the final, 6-2, 6-3, 6-2.
