Novak Djokovic returns to Basel after 15 years
Novak Djokovic, 39, has accepted a wildcard to play the Swiss Indoors Basel, his first appearance there since 2011.
Novak Djokovic is competing in the Swiss Indoors Basel for the first time since 2011 after receiving a wildcard. The 39-year-old will play at the ATP 500 tournament from October 24 to November 1. His return is a surprise late-season move driven by two clear goals: matching a historic record and securing a spot in the season-ending championships.
Djokovic last played in Basel in 2011, reaching the semifinals before losing to Kei Nishikori. He had previously accepted wildcards for the tournament in 2009, 2010, and 2011. His recent form includes winning the China Open in Beijing earlier this month for his 102nd career title, followed by a straight-sets loss to Hubert Hurkacz at the Shanghai Masters.
Career Milestone at Stake
Djokovic has a chance to match Roger Federer's record of 103 career ATP singles titles with a win in Basel. He currently sits on 102 titles. Jimmy Connors holds the Open Era record with 109 ATP Tour titles. A victory in Switzerland would bring Djokovic level with his great rival Federer in this specific career achievement.
Race to Turin Implications
The Serbian's main goal for the end of the season is to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, which will run from November 15 to 22. Djokovic has won the ATP Finals a record seven times. He currently sits outside the top eight in the Race to Turin standings, ranked 11th with 2,840 points. He trails the player in the eighth and final qualification spot by 485 points.
Only Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz had secured qualification for the ATP Finals at the time of the announcement. Jannik Sinner ended his season early due to a knee injury, opening a potential pathway for other contenders. Djokovic's participation in Basel represents a critical opportunity to gain ranking points. Ben Shelton is also playing in the 2023 Basel Open.
Djokovic acknowledged a physical challenge ahead of the tournament. "I have a shoulder injury that makes it so I can hardly serve," he said. Despite this, his attempt to win the Basel title and qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin defines the closing chapter of his season.
