Daniil Medvedev strengthened his bid to return to the Nitto ATP Finals after a strong run at the 2026 Rolex Shanghai Masters, while Rafael Jodar and Tommy Paul also made important gains in the race to qualify for the season-ending tournament in Turin.
With the ATP Tour season approaching its conclusion, the fight for the remaining places is intensifying. Medvedev's Shanghai performance has put him in a stronger position, while Jodar's breakthrough run and Alejandro Davidovich Fokina's title triumph have added further intrigue to the qualification battle.
Medvedev climbed two places to sixth in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, collecting 3,420 points after reaching the Shanghai semi-finals. The former world No. 1 defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas and Tommy Paul during his campaign, recording his third ATP Masters 1000 semi-final appearance of the season.
The 2020 ATP Finals champion is aiming to return to the prestigious event after missing out in 2025. He will have another opportunity to strengthen his position at the Almaty Open, where he is the top seed and defending champion.
Meanwhile, 20-year-old Spaniard Rafael Jodar continued his impressive breakthrough season by reaching his first Masters 1000 final in Shanghai. Although he lost to compatriot Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final, the result lifted him two places to ninth in the Live Race with 3,159 points.
Source: Next Gen ATP Finals
Jodar's rapid rise has placed him firmly in the qualification conversation. With Jannik Sinner reportedly ending his 2026 season early because of injury, the battle for the remaining places has become even more complicated. However, Jodar will still need to maintain his form and protect his position against rivals chasing qualification.
American Tommy Paul also remains in contention for his first ATP Finals appearance. He reached the Shanghai quarter-finals after securing three consecutive straight-set victories before losing to Medvedev.
The 29-year-old moved up two positions to 12th in the Live Race with 2,585 points. He is scheduled to compete at the Grand Prix Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes in Lyon, where a deep run could help him close the gap on the leading contenders.
Davidovich Fokina, meanwhile, delivered one of the biggest results of the Shanghai tournament. The 27-year-old Spaniard saved a match point against Frances Tiafoe before overcoming several strong opponents, including Alexander Zverev, Hubert Hurkacz and Jodar, to claim the title.
His victory lifted him 13 places to 16th in the Live Race with 2,450 points. Although he remains further back in the standings, the Shanghai triumph has given him valuable momentum and kept his outside hopes alive.
The Nitto ATP Finals will take place from 15 to 22 November at the Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy. Alexander Zverev, Carlos Alcaraz and Ben Shelton have already secured their places, leaving the remaining contenders with limited opportunities to earn the points needed for qualification.
With Medvedev looking to return to the season finale, Jodar hoping to cap his breakthrough year with a major milestone, and Paul still chasing his debut, the coming tournaments could prove decisive. Davidovich Fokina's Shanghai success has also shown how quickly the standings can change, ensuring the race for Turin remains open as the season enters its final stretch.
