Alcaraz Defeat Gives Novak Djokovic Rankings Boost
By: Gyang Dakwo
Carlos Alcaraz’s hopes of knocking Novak Djokovic off the top of the ATP rankings before the end of 2023 have suffered a hammer blow after his sensational defeat at the Shanghai Masters.
A highly impressive performance from Grigor Dimitrov saw him earn his biggest win of the season as he upset Alcaraz 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the quarter-finals of the ATP 1000 event in China.
The defeat for Alcaraz leaves him 2,240 points behind Djokovic in the live ATP rankings, with the Serbian now set to claim the prestigious year-end world No 1 title unless Alcaraz enjoys a sensational end to the season.
Djokovic has 600 points to defend from his run to the Paris Masters final last year and he also has 1,5000 points to defend from his flawless ATP Final win in Turin last year.
Alcaraz was injured at the back end of last year, so he could claim additional points by entering the ATP 500 event in Basel, but this defeat means he will need to win Paris and the ATP finals to have a chance to knock Djokovic off the top spot in the rankings.
Alcaraz has confirmed his drive to take the year-end world No 1 ranking away from Djokovic is on his mind every time he steps on court, but this defeat may well have ended his realistic hopes of achieving that goal.
Two-time Grand Slam winner Alcaraz and Djokovic have enjoyed a great rivalry this season as they have played each other four times with each coming away with two wins.
The Spaniard won their Madrid Open encounter before Djokovic stormed back in the semi-final at Roland Garros. Alcaraz then turned the tables with a stunning win in the Wimbledon final, but his great rival proved that he is still the master with victory in an incredible match in the Cincinnati Masters final.
The pair have also traded top spot in the ATP Rankings seven times this year with Djokovic currently at No 1.