Novak Djokovic is set to appear at the Basel Open for the first time since 2011 as he continues his bid to qualify for the ATP Finals.

The Serb, who captured his 102nd tour-level title at the China Open recently, received a wildcard for the ATP 500 tournament in Basel on Friday. Djokovic is currently 11th in the race to Turin, where the ATP Finals are held, but only needs to be in the top nine to qualify rather than the top eight, due to Jannik Sinner missing the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Djokovic has made three appearances at the Basel Open in his career, the first of which resulted in a title.

Novak Djokovic’s victory over Roger Federer at the 2009 Basel Open

Djokovic met home favourite Roger Federer in the final of the 2009 Basel Open, with the Swiss having won the three previous editions of the tournament. Federer was the favourite to win the title, but fell to Djokovic in three sets 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

“It’s a bigger achievement than just a win,” said Djokovic facing the media after the match. “Winning against him in his own city, in his own country. I understand it was a huge amount of pressure on him that he had to win today.

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“I hope the crowd enjoyed it. I think we played a great match. I’m really satisfied with this week,” said Djokovic, who had also beaten Stan Wawrinka en route to the title. “Nothing is easy against Roger. I knew he was going to try to come back any time; even though I was two breaks up, he hit some great balls. I served it out in the key moments.”

Djokovic tried to defend his title the following year and reached the final, but Federer earned his revenge in 2010 and recaptured the Basel Open crown. Djokovic’s last appearance at the event came in 2011, where he was beaten in the semifinals by Kei Nishikori.

Novak Djokovic’s chance to tie Roger Federer at the Basel Open

As well as continuing his pursuit of qualifying for the ATP Finals, Djokovic also has an opportunity to tie Federer’s record at the Basel Open. He is just one tour-level title away from matching Federer’s career tally, which ranks second all-time.

Jimmy Connors still holds the record for the most ATP titles won in history with 109 to his name, while Federer and Djokovic trail with 103 and 102, respectively. It won’t be plain sailing for Djokovic in Basel, with the likes of Felix Auger-Aliassime and Ben Shelton also set to compete.

Wawrinka will also be in action at this year’s Basel Open, which marks his last-ever tournament on the ATP Tour. The 41-year-old will retire after playing at his home event.