Novak Djokovic could play Beijing to return to No. 1 in the rankings

**WATCH—ATP Rankings Update: **

Novak Djokovic is considering taking a wild card into the ATP 500 event at Beijing, which could help him return to No. 1 in the rankings.

No. 1 Rafael Nadal is currently in front with 8,760 points but also the defending champion at Beijing and defending finalist at Shanghai. The Spaniard has withdrawn from both events because of injury, and will drop 1,100 points when the two events are played.

Djokovic, ranked No. 3, has 6,445 points and nothing to defend this season. The Serb could get to No. 1 if he can get more than 1,215 points at Beijing and Shanghai. Winning both events gives a player 1,500 points.

Organizers at Beijing are holding a wild card for Djokovic, who returned to Belgrade following his participation in Laver Cup a few days ago and is still deciding whether to add the event to his schedule. He is committed to playing the Shanghai Masters.

But Djokovic has had a demanding hard-court season, winning his 14th Grand Slam title at the US Open, and has also expressed the desire for a break. Should he not play Beijing, he could also enter the 500 event at Vienna, where organizers have also offered a wild card.

The No. 1 ranking should also be in play between the two at the Paris Masters and the ATP Tour Finals.

Roger Federer, ranked No. 2, is defending the title at Shanghai and his hometown of Basel. He cannot improve on his total of 6,900 points unless he can go further than the semifinals of the ATP Tour Finals.

Djokovic has not been ranked No. 1 since 2016.