Will Djokovic and/or Nadal play in Vienna?

[jm1980]

The points gap in the ranking between them stands at 215. If Nadal doesn’t play in Vienna, Djokovic could become #1 by reaching the final. Nadal could use the points in Vienna as well to give himself some breathing room.

Note that players are required to play a 500 after the US Open and playing in Vienna would also fulfill this requirement.

It looks like the tournament director has been in contact with both of them. We haven’t heard from Rafa, but Novak said earlier this week he was considering it

 

[StannisTheMannis]

No. Our perception is skewed by Federer being 37, but these guys are old. No reason to play 500s they don’t need to or have a connection to.

 

[CYGS]

It would be unwise for Djokovic to play Vienna just for the ranking points. Winning Paris and the number 1 ranking will come.

 

[tennisaddict]

Would love for Nadal to comeback in Vienna. Novak getting the No 1 in Nadal's absence seems like a backdoor entry.

 

[OhYes]

Djokovic has some dignity, he will not chase it in 500 like Murray.

 

[CYGS]

I read that Rafa is unfit to play Vienna. The tournament official is currently negotiating with Djokovic and hopes he attends.

 

[weakera]

Rafa is not ready.

 

[Mainad]

Djokovic has some dignity, he will not chase it in 500 like Murray.

 

[RF-18]

Would love for Nadal to comeback in Vienna. Novak getting the No 1 in Nadal's absence seems like a backdoor entry.

He skipped one tourney lol

 

[Poisoned Slice]

Djokovic has some dignity, he will not chase it in 500 like Murray.

+1

 

[OhYes]

It's overrated anyway

 

[tennisaddict]

He skipped one tourney lol

Don't forget Nadal also missed IW and Miami

 

[Djokodalerer31]

Ummm...no! I don't see either of them playing and they shouldn't! Imho Leave those to the likes of Thiem, who amongst everything is a home favorite on top of having actual motivation of qualifying to London!

 

[Chanwan]

The points gap in the ranking between them stands at 215. If Nadal doesn’t play in Vienna, Djokovic could become #1 by reaching the final. Nadal could use the points in Vienna as well to give himself some breathing room.

Note that players are required to play a 500 after the US Open and playing in Vienna would also fulfill this requirement.

It looks like the tournament director has been in contact with both of them. We haven’t heard from Rafa, but Novak said earlier this week he was considering it

Aren't both of them free of any requirements like Fed is? 600 match wins, 30+ and whatever the rest of the criteria are.

 

[RF-18]

Don't forget Nadal also missed IW and Miami

And

 

[mike danny]

Would love for Nadal to comeback in Vienna. Novak getting the No 1 in Nadal's absence seems like a backdoor entry.

On the other hand, Rafa with 1 less slam than Novak doesn't have a stronger case for no.1 either.

 

[Doctor/Lawyer Red Devil]

Considering how Djokovic did in IW and Miami, it's like he skipped them too LOL.

 

[mike danny]

No, these small titles are for the lesser players like Thiem.

 

[Goosehead]

nadal defo not. Djokovic though it's up to him. tourney director is still hoping to get djoko in.

 

[tennisaddict]

On the other hand, Rafa with 1 less slam than Novak doesn't have a stronger case for no.1 either.

Yes, Novak has got the bigger titles , but I would like semblance of a fight to get to No 1 rather than being handed over for half year of performance

 

[mike danny]

Yes, Novak has got the bigger titles , but I would like semblance of a fight to get to No 1 rather than being handed over for half year of performance

This is how last year played out too.

 

[TheAssassin]

I doubt it because it's very unlikely that Vienna would be a difference maker at the end of the year.

 

[mike danny]

Thiem has to win this one to not miss the WTF.

 

[oldmanfan]

Aren't both of them free of any requirements like Fed is? 600 match wins, 30+ and whatever the rest of the criteria are.

IIRC, those criteria only apply to MS1000.

I think players still need to fulfill the yearly MS500 at any age, no pass or there will be a penalty (whatever that is).

 

[Chanwan]

IIRC, those criteria only apply to MS1000.

I think players still need to fulfill the yearly MS500 at any age, no pass or there will be a penalty (whatever that is).

Claiming injury works too, I presume.

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

No, these small titles are for the lesser players like Thiem.

And Fed

 

[Im(moral) Winner]

Aren't both of them free of any requirements like Fed is? 600 match wins, 30+ and whatever the rest of the criteria are.

IIRC, those criteria only apply to MS1000.

I think players still need to fulfill the yearly MS500 at any age, no pass or there will be a penalty (whatever that is).

If I got it right that rule doesn't apply to 500s. Four with one being post-USO are mandatory for leading players.

 

[oldmanfan]

Claiming injury works too, I presume.

I think one can claim injury, but the MS500 penalty still applies (not sure)?

 

[mike danny]

And Fed

Fed still has his slam though

 

[I Am Finnish]

Thiem has to win this one to not miss the WTF.

Del Potro might skip London, thiem is most likely safe

 

[irishnadalfan1983]

Hoping Rafa takes the rest of the season off...Nole will finish the year as world number 1 so not much point in coming back for Vienna, Paris or London...

 

[mike danny]

Del Potro might skip London, thiem is most likely safe

 

[jm1980]

Claiming injury works too, I presume.

The zero-point penalty still applies even if you missed it due to injury

 

[pikku05]

Nadal is definitely out. As for ND, would be unwise for him to overplay when the No.1 ranking is more or less guaranteed.

 

[jm1980]

It looks like Djokovic is not playing Vienna:

"Nachdem Novak das Turnier in Schanghai gewonnen hat, war klar, dass er für sein Ziel, wieder die Nummer eins der Welt zu werden, nicht unbedingt die Punkte von Wien benötigt. Trotzdem haben wir bis zum Schluss alles probiert", sagt Straka.

"After Novak won the tournament in Shanghai, it became clear that he didn't need the points from Vienna to become the World No. 1. We still tried everything until the end," said Straka

https://www.kleinezeitung.at/sport/.../Erste-Bank-Open_Djokovic-gab-Wien-einen-Korb