Rafael Nadal Enters the Race to Turin 2021, Novak Djokovic Trails Stefanos Tsitsipas

Published 05/17/2021, 8:30 AM EDT

The Italian Open 2021 final between Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal overwhelmed the tennis world. Moreover, it helped the two great athletes improve their Race to Turin 2021 positions.

While the Spaniard earned 1000 points as the winner of Rome Masters, the Serbian had to settle with 600 points as a finalist. However, they both leaped ahead significantly in the pack of next-generation players.

OLD WINE: Rafael Nadal Breaks Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic’s Record, Attains an Intriguing Feat at Italian Open

Article continues below this ad

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic take comfortable seats for Turin post their Italian Open 2021 success

The Italian city of Turin will host the year-end championships or the ATP Finals this year. Chiefly, this is a competition between eight players who earned the most rankings points in a calendar year on the ATP Tour.

Before coming to Rome, Rafael Nadal was ranked tenth, just outside the top 8 qualifiers. But now, his record-extending 10th title at the Italian Open has put him in sixth place.

Currently, the Spaniard has 2220 points and is 10 points behind fifth-placed Daniil Medvedev and 30 points behind fourth-ranked Alexander Zverev. Rafa crossed Aslan Karatsev, Hubert Hurkacz, Matteo Berrettini, and Jannik Sinner to find his new place.

On the other side, the reigning Australian Open champion Novak Djokovic was behind Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev in the Race to Turin 2021. His appearance in the Italian Open final helped him surpass Rublev and stand 190 points behind the top place.

Additionally, the Serbian ace has confirmed participation in the ATP 250 Belgrade 2 before the French Open. Meanwhile, the top-ranked Greek Tsitsipas will play at the ATP tournament in Lyon and try to keep his position until Paris.

‘Proud Wife’ Jelena Defines Novak Djokovic After Reporter’s Definition of Rafael Nadal

Nadal and Djokovic might not meet in the French Open final

The Race to Turin positions will drastically change after the French Open 2021. But most importantly, it might also cause a big blow to either Rafa or Djokovic.

As the Spaniard is the World No. 3, he might find himself in the same half as the Serbian. It means that the Rafa-Nole matchup can come to terms in the semi-final itself. Also, one of them might lose more points than the other.

Article continues below this ad

Therefore, both Rafa and Novak will hope to be in different halves of the main draw. However, their main target will be eventually winning the title.

The French Open begins on May 30, 2021, with a big crowd in the stadiums. It remains to be seen what it will add to the neck-to-neck Race for Turin.

Article continues below this ad

“Smart of Roger”: Andy Roddick Hails Roger Federer’s Decision to Take Covid-19 Vaccine

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Purav Joshi is a Tennis author at EssentiallySports. Having a degree in Films, Television and Media Production, he guided his passion for writing and journalism into the sport of aces and rallies. With over 2 years of experience as a copywriter, Purav has authored over 500 tennis articles.

Rafael Nadal Enters the Race to Turin 2021, Novak Djokovic Trails Stefanos Tsitsipas

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic take comfortable seats for Turin post their Italian Open 2021 success

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her Pink Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

Darwin Blanch: How Father’s Relentless Efforts for His Brother Ended up Becoming a Boon for Rafael Nadal’s Opponent

Madrid Open 2024: Ugo Humbert vs Botic Van De Zandschulp; Preview, Head-to-Head, Prediction

Do Darwin Blanch’s Siblings Play Tennis? Everything to Know About the Young American’s Power-Packed Family

Nadal and Djokovic might not meet in the French Open final