Australian Open: Ruud, Tsitsipas, Djokovic - who has the best chance of number 1?
Will there be a new number 1 after the Australian Open ? Quite possible. We look at the scenarios.
by Florian Goosmann
last edit: Jan 12, 2023, 02:25 pm
Carlos Alcaraz's cancellation for the Australian Open 2023: a severe blow for the tournament - and of course for the youngster himself. Because Alcaraz is not only the reigning US Open champ, but also number 1 in world tennis.
And Carlos Alcaraz (ATP No. 1, currently 6,820 points) could have extended his lead in Melbourne: As is well known, 2,000 points are awarded for Grand Slam tournament victories (final: 1,200; semifinals: 720; quarterfinals: 360; round of 16: 180) . Alcaraz, on the other hand, only has 90 to defend, because last year it was already over in round 3. Conversely, this also means that he will not lose a lot of points and will have 6,730 points after the tournament.
His pursuers must therefore show results. only which ones?
Ruud, Tsitsipas, Djokovic with chances of 1 - and what about Nadal?
- Rafael Nadal (ATP No. 2, currently 5,770 points): Rafa is tackling the title defense and has to defend his full 2,000 points from the previous year. Conversely, this means that he can't gain anything, even if he were to win again down under he would still have 5,770 points. He has no chance of number 1 in Melbourne.
- Casper Ruud (ATP No. 3, currently 5,720 points): Ruud didn't play at the Australian Open last year, so he could score fully. Ruud would need to advance to the Australian Open final to become No. 1. Prerequisite: Novak Djokovic should not win.
- Stefanos Tsitsipas (ATP No. 4, 5,715 points): Tsitsipas was in the semifinals last year, he has 720 points to defend. Simple math: he needs to win in Melbourne to top the world rankings,
- Novak Djokovic (ATP No. 5, 5,070 points): The "Djoker" was last year... well: prevented . The good thing for him: he doesn't have to defend anything, he could pull away to 7,070 points if he wins. And would then be the new/old number 1.
Shouldn't the Ruud, Tsitsipas and Djokovic fulfill their possibilities? Alcaraz would remain at the top despite his rejection.
To the current ATP world rankings
Click here for the draw for the Australian Open 2023
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