Melbourne – At the Australian Open, Carlos Alcaraz is fired up to challenge defending champion Novak Djokovic and win a third Grand Slam title, which would put him back atop the global rankings.
The 20-year-old Spaniard is hoping to put the past behind him, after he missed last year’s Australian Open, which Djokovic won to reclaim the top spot in the rankings, due to a string of injuries.
After winning the US Open in 2022, the bull-like Alcaraz, who has been sweeping the tennis globe, became the youngest men’s world number one. He responded by winning his second Grand Slam title at Wimbledon after defeating Djokovic in a thrilling five-set final.
Nevertheless, the 36-year-old Serb defeated his youthful opponent at the ATP Finals and took home the record-tying seventh year-end number one ranking after winning the 2023 US Open in September.
Once again, Alcaraz can take the top rank in the world, and their rivalry might lead to another thrilling matchup.
Alcaraz has 2,200 more points than Djokovic, who has nothing to lose in Australia after missing the competition in 2023 due to a leg injury.
Points earned at each tournament are used to determine rankings, and these points expire annually. In order to keep the points earned at an event, a player needs to at least equal their previous year’s performance.
That implies that, regardless of the Serbian’s outcome, Alcaraz would recover the top spot and earn 2,000 points with the victory in Australia.
In the event that he advances to the quarterfinals, semifinals, or final and Djokovic is unable to follow him, he will also surpass the Serbian.
Even though Alcaraz might not require any additional inspiration, a big victory would solidify his reputation in the game and make it abundantly clear that he is spearheading a change in leadership in men’s tennis.
Studying under (Djokovic) is incredible. “It’s amazing to play with him on the court,” Alcaraz remarked following his victory against Djokovic in a late-December exhibition match in Saudi Arabia.
“I grew up watching him winning all the big tournaments and you know, you always dream about this moment, playing against him face-to-face and I’m really, really happy to be able to do that.” Reuters
