What does Djokovic need to qualify? These are the scenarios in the ATP Finals' green group

The ATP Finals’ green group is extremely competitive after Jannik Sinner‘s three-set triumph over Novak Djokovic, leaving the Italian with two wins in two matches.

Djokovic and Holger Rune share a record of one win and one loss each, while the already eliminated Stefanos Tsitsipas will be replaced by Hubert Hurkacz, who faces Djokovic in the final round alongside the match between Sinner and Rune.

What needs to happen for Djokovic to be eliminated?

Despite Sinner‘s impressive victory over the world No.1, he is not yet assured of a spot in the semifinals. Djokovic‘s fate depends on the outcomes of the upcoming matches.

Here are the scenarios for the last round:

• If Djokovic and Rune win in two sets, the Dane will be top, and the Serbian will be second.
• If Sinner beats Rune, the Italian will be top, and Djokovic will be second.
• If Rune wins, whether in two or three sets, and Djokovic wins in three sets, the Dane will finish top, and the Italian second.
• If Rune beats Sinner, and Hurkacz beats Djokovic, the Dane and the Italian will finish top and second, respectively.

Possibility of deciding by the number of games won-lost: If Rune beats Sinner in three sets and Djokovic wins against Hurkacz in two, all three would be tied at two victories and in terms of sets won-lost.

The number of games won and lost would then determine who finishes top, second, and third.

Possibility of a ‘biscotto’ to eliminate Djokovic

A potential ‘biscotto’ or strategic arrangement is also on the horizon.

With Djokovic‘s match against Hurkacz scheduled before Sinner‘s clash with Rune, the Italian and the Dane will be aware of Djokovic‘s result.

If Djokovic loses a set to Hurkacz and Rune secures a victory, Djokovic could be eliminated, prompting speculation about a deliberate arrangement to strategically eliminate the tournament favorite.

Additionally, the possibility of deciding the outcome by the number of games won and lost exists in case of a triple tie in sets.

This adds an extra layer of complexity to the group’s dynamics, with Sinner and Rune potentially calculating the required number of games to secure their positions if a tiebreaker scenario unfolds.

In essence, the ATP Finals’ green group is poised for an intense final round, with Djokovic‘s destiny uncertain and strategic considerations potentially influencing the outcome.