Neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Novak Djokovic can dethrone World No. 1 Jannik Sinner as he heads into the US Open as the top seed, following Alcaraz’s early exit at the Cincinnati Open and Djokovic’s decision to take a break before the final Grand Slam of the year.
While Sinner has reached the Cincinnati Open quarter-finals, he has capitalised on the loss of points by his main rivals, further extending his lead over them. The Italian currently holds a 1,500-point lead over Djokovic and a 1,600-point lead over Alcaraz. However, there remains one player who could potentially overtake him by the end of the US Open.
At the US Open, Sinner will defend 180 points after reaching the fourth round in 2023. However, his main contenders have significantly more points to defend: Alcaraz reached the semi-finals (780 points), and Djokovic was the champion (2,000 points).
If Sinner only reaches the quarter-finals in Cincinnati this week, he would lead the rankings with 8,960 points, followed by Djokovic with 7,460 and Alcaraz with 7,360. However, even if Djokovic wins the US Open, he wouldn’t gain any points and would remain at 7,460. On the other hand, if the Spaniard wins, he could only reach 8,640 points, which wouldn’t be enough to surpass Sinner, who is guaranteed to finish with 8,780 points after Flushing Meadows.
Carlos Alcaraz at 2024 Cincinnati Open.
The Only player who could topple Sinner’s reign
The only player who still has a chance to surpass Sinner in the rankings is Alexander Zverev (World No. 4). With 6,835 points so far, he remains in the competition at the Cincinnati Open. Should he win the Masters 1000 title, he would overtake both Djokovic and Alcaraz, returning to his career-high ranking as World No. 2.
This scenario would also have implications for the US Open. While Sinner would be the top seed, Zverev could secure a place on the opposite side of the draw, avoiding Sinner until a potential final. However, this also means that Alcaraz or Djokovic would be potential semi-final opponents for both the Italian and the German.
If Zverev wins the Cincinnati Open title, he would reach 7,635 points (and secure 7,275 points by the end of the US Open). If he goes on to win the title at Flushing Meadows, he could take the World No. 1 spot, although he would need Sinner to fall before the quarter-finals.
| After Cincinnati | After US Open | If won both titles | |
| Jannik Sinner | 8,960 (max 9,760) | 8780 (máx 10,780) | 11,400 |
| Novak Djokovic | 7,460 | 5460 (max 7,460) | |
| Carlos Alcaraz | 7,360 | 6640 (max 8,640) | |
| Alexander Zverev | 6,835 (max 7,635) | 6,475 (max 8,475) | 9,635 |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.
mandoist08-11-2026 - Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
- Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
