ATP Ranking: Novak DJOKOVIC successfully defends World No.1 spot after Carlos ALCARAZ exit

Novak Djokovic ensured he maintains the world No. 1 ranking following Carlos Alcaraz's elimination in the 2024 Australian Open. Djokovic ended 2023 with a significant points lead over the 20-year-old rising star. However, the need to defend the title provided Alcaraz with an opportunity, as he didn't participate in the tournament last season.

At the beginning of the competition, the points gap narrowed in the live rankings, leaving only a 200-point difference. Alcaraz could secure the No. 1 spot by winning the trophy, regardless of Djokovic's results or even in the event of an early exit for Djokovic.

However, Alcaraz faced a formidable opponent in Alexander Zverev and suffered a tough defeat with a score of 1-6, 3-6, 7-6(2), 4-6. On the other hand, Djokovic convincingly defeated an inspired Taylor Fritz, who, despite performing well, exited the tournament against the 10-times Aussie Open champion.

As of now, Djokovic hasn't established a significantly large lead over Alcaraz, with a 600-point gap in the live rankings. 'Nole' doesn't have any scheduled tournaments until the 'sunshine double' in March, featuring the Indian Wells and Miami Open Masters 1000 events. However, Alcaraz won't be able to catch up either, considering that he defends the Buenos Aires Open title and the Rio Open final in February. Even if he secures those titles, the points he can gain are limited.

Furthermore, Djokovic defends the title in Indian Wells and reaches the semifinals in Miami, while he didn't participate in those tournaments last year. Hence, it's unlikely that the Serbian will lose the No. 1 ranking, at least until the clay court season.

Next Monday, Djokovic will mark his 410th week at the top of the rankings, extending his record, with Roger Federer in second place at 310 weeks and Pete Sampras at 286. The 24-times Grand Slam champion's next challenge will be against world No. 4 Jannik Sinner, who continues his excellent form from the end of 2023 and aims to reach his first Grand Slam final. The Italian has yet to drop a set in the tournament and undoubtedly poses the most significant threat Djokovic has faced so far.