How long is Novak Djokovic likely to hold onto World Number One spot? Here's the answer with tough end to 2024 set

Although Novak Djokovic fell to Jannik Sinner in the semifinals of the 2024 Australian Open, the Serbian still maintains a vice-like grip on the World No.1 ranking and is unlikely to relinquish his spot anytime soon.

The Serbian has spent a record 412 weeks as the World No. 1 on the ATP Ranking table, with his most recent excursion occurring after he retook the position from Wimbledon champion Carlos Alcaraz in September. This happened after Djokovic won his fourth US Open title, and the 24-time Grand Slam champion has shown little sign of slowing down.

With Djokovic holding tightly onto the top spot, it may seem like he has no plans on losing this prestigious position. However, the 36-year old could lose the No.1 ranking sometime during the 2024 season, as the trio of Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Jannik Sinner are hot on his trail.

Djokovic currently has an ATP ranking tally of 9,855 points, which is well above the aforementioned trio. The Serbian will only defend 495 points till the French Open, which begins in late May. However, Alcaraz, Medvedev, and Sinner, meanwhile, are defending 3,455, 3,370, and 1,845 points respectively in the same period, giving them little to no chances at overtaking their top rival's No. 1 position. 

However, Djokovic will face a more difficult challenge after Roland Garros. The World No.1 will be defending his Paris crown this year, meaning 2,000 points are on the line. Additionally, he defends 2,000, 1,200, and 1,000 points at the US Open, Wimbledon, and the Cincinnati Open, respectively. Conversely, Alcaraz is defending 4,000 points from May till September, so the Spaniard will have a mountain to climb should he want to usurp the Serbian. Medvedev and Sinner are more likely to catch up to Djokovic, with the duo defending 2,290 and 2,045 points in the above period, respectively.