Djokovic set to remain World No.1 despite Madrid withdrawal with all eyes on Rome

Novak Djokovic will continue to lead the battle with Carlos Alcaraz for the No. 1 spot despite his absence in the Madrid Open.

The Serbian player has been unable to participate in several tournaments over the last year but he’ll maintain his advantage even if Alcaraz wins the Madrid Open.

The Spanish player is defending his 2022 title, so if he wins, he will keep his current 6770 points.

On Djokovic's side, after the Madrid Open, he will drop from 7135 points to 6775 points, putting him only 5 points ahead of the 19-year-old Spanish player.

The 22-time Grand Slam champion could see another drop in points if he does not successfully defend his title at the Rome Masters, which he won last year.

Alcaraz and 'Nole' cannot lose sight of Daniil Medvedev, who has had an extraordinary 2023 season and is currently leading the Race to the ATP Finals. The Russian player is defending very few points from last year's clay tournaments, which will put him close to the top. Although Medvedev is currently 1900 points behind the No. 1 spot, in just four weeks that difference will be reduced to just over 500 points.