Novak Djokovic returns to Basel after 15 years, accepts the Swiss wild card

Novak Djokovic will return to Swiss Indoors Basel after accepting a wild card invitation, giving the 24-time Grand Slam champion another opportunity to add to his remarkable collection of titles. The Serb is chasing his 103rd ATP Tour crown at the ATP 500, which runs from October 26 to November 1.

The tournament announced his participation on Friday, welcoming him back to Basel after three previous appearances in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Djokovic’s last appearance at the tournament was in 2011, his first appearance in 15 years.

The 39-year-old arrives in Switzerland after a mixed Asian swing. He won the China Open in Beijing earlier this month for his 102nd career title, but suffered an early exit at the Shanghai Masters, losing to Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz in straight sets.

Djokovic now has the opportunity to move to the level of Roger Federer, who finished his career with 103 titles on the ATP Tour. American Jimmy Connors remains the Open era leader with 109 titles.

DJOKOVIC CHASES AT THE ATP FINALS

The performance in Basel could also prove crucial in Djokovic’s bid to qualify for the ATP Finals in Turin, which is scheduled for November 15-22. The Serb has won the season-ending championship a record seven times, but currently sits outside the top eight in the Race to Turin standings.

At the time of the announcement, only Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz had secured qualification. With Jannik Sinner ending the season early with a knee injury, the battle for the remaining spots remains open.

Djokovic’s decision to add Basel to his schedule comes after he hinted after his defeat in Shanghai that the Paris Masters would be his only tournament before the ATP Finals. The postponement of the Six Kings Slam exhibition in Saudi Arabia to late December also changed the shape of his schedule.

As well as the immediate push for a place in Turin, Djokovic will have his sights set on the 2027 Australian Open. The first Grand Slam of the season is scheduled to take place from January 17-31, and the Serb is looking to add to his record 24 major men’s singles titles.

Djokovic has won the Australian Open 10 times, making Melbourne his most successful Grand Slam venue. A strong finish to the 2026 season could provide valuable momentum as he prepares for another attempt to extend his record in the majors.

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