Djokovic stumbles in Basle as Struff stages comeback

Novak Djokovic fell in the second round of the ATP 500 tournament in Basle on Thursday when Germany's Jan-Lennard Struff staged a comeback to win 6-7 (4/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/5).

The 39-year-old Serb thereby misses valuable points in the race to qualify for the ATP Finals in November.

Massive Win! 👏 The moment @Struffitennis defeated Djokovic to reach the quarter-finals in Basel 🤝 #SwissIndoorsBasel https://t.co/pBZiDPF4zj

Struff peppered Djokovic with aggressive serving during a tense 2hr 35min slugfest.

After winning the opening set in a tie-break, with neither player dropping serve, Djokovic faltered on his own serve at 6-5 in the second set, allowing Struff to level the match.

The 24-time Grand Slam winner lost the decisive tie-break in the third set as Struff landed a first career victory over Djokovic after eight previous defeats.

Struff storms past Djokovic to secure a spot in the Basel final 8! 👏💪 #SwissIndoorsBasel https://t.co/qV7mkAbumr — ATP Tour (@atptour) October 29, 2026

The ATP Finals in Turin in November are reserved for the top eight players in the race rankings, excluding Jannik Sinner, who has withdrawn with a knee injury.

The standings are based on results achieved during the current season.

Seven-time ATP Finals champion Djokovic currently occupies 11th place in the race but can take consolation from the defeat of ninth-ranked Spaniard Rafael Jodar, also eliminated in the second round in Basle by Monaco's Valentin Vacherot.

France's Arthur Fils, seventh in the race, defeated American Alex Michelsen 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (7/5).