The 21 times Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic has qualified for this season’s Nitto ATP Finals. Djokovic, who missed almost the entire hard-court swing and stayed out of the US Open, will play in the tournament on the basis of his Wimbledon victory. However, many are not in favor of this decision.

They argue that other players who also performed well in the London-based majors are suffering the consequences of the ban-induced stripping of ranking points. Everyone has a different take on the matter. From fans to professionals and veterans. The entire tennis fraternity is currently in a debate. The recent comment that caught fire was from Monica Puig’s end. 

Puig’s take on the Novak Djokovic matter

The retired Puerto Rican tennis professional recently shared her views on the matter. Unaware of the Grand Slam champion provision, she sided with the people who find the decision unfair. As a result of which, she received severe backlash. To justify herself, she said, “I have NOTHING against Djokovic. I’ve met him several times and I admire all his achievements. He qualified, and that’s great! I just didn’t understand the ATP and WTA rules.”

 Thereafter, she added, “As a former WTA player, I have been in countless meetings with the CEO and the board and have been in talks about the rules and trying to make the tours similar. The fact I didn’t know that the rules weren’t the same is just that! I didn’t know.”

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“So stop coming for me. If you wanna unfollow me, that’s fine, I really don’t care.” Further, other than Puig, the British tennis ace and former World No 9, Cameron Norrie, also denounced the move. He addressed how it was unfair to the Wimbledon runner-up Nick Kyrgios. The Aussie struggled for the points that his majors run should have fulfilled.

What lies ahead of Djokovic?

The former World No 1, riding high on his Astana Open victory, is currently competing in the Paris Masters. He started his journey on Tuesday and took down his first opponent, the American ace, Maxime Cressy, in straight sets of 7- 6 (1) 6-4. 

Now he will lock horns with the US Open semifinalist Karen Khachanov. This will be their ninth meeting and while Djokovic will eye his eighth victory, the Russian will look forward to his first triumph since 2018.

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The round of 16 clash will be held on November 3, in the Centre Court. Will the 35-year-old out-muscle Khachanov again or will he be able to advance his score? Let us know in the comment section.