Novak Djokovic’s novel and the vaccine against COVID 19 added a new chapter, which could cost the number one in the world dearly. As the United States still maintains the restriction for the entry of foreigners without being vaccinated, The Serb was unable to travel for the cement tour that includes the Indian Wells and Miami Masters 1000. And for that reason, his position as leader of the ATP ranking is at risk against the growth of the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz and the Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.
Djokovic was booked in Indian Wells, which starts this Wednesday, and in Miami, which starts on March 20, tournaments in which he was going to be the top seed. Even, He requested a special permit to enter the country, which was supported by the United States Tennis Federation (USTA). However, the administration of President Joe Biden denied him the waiverfor which the five-time Indian Wells champion had to withdraw from the tournament on Sunday and in the coming days he will have to do the same in Miami.
Since last year he had not been able to participate in both contests for the same reason, the opportunity was very propitious to add good points and consolidate himself as leader of the ranking. seven days ago Djokovic reached 378 weeks at the top of the ranking and surpassed the record for the longest stay at number one that belonged to the German Steffi Graf. However, by not being able to participate, two players could beat him in the tandem of tournaments that award 2000 points.
The change of command could take place at the end of next week if the Spanish Carlos Alcaraz wins the contest in the Californian desert. Djokovic leads the ranking with 7,160 points against the 6,780 accumulated by Alcarez. The brand new champion of Buenos Aires defends 360 points for last year’s semifinals, so If he wins the title, he will go to 7,420 and relegate the Serbian. It will be necessary to see the physical state of the Spaniard, who after losing the ATP final in Rio de Janeiro against the British Cameron Norris last week left Acapulco due to a grade 1 strain in his right hamstring.
The good news for Djokovic is that Alcaraz is the current Miami champion, so after Indian Wells will defend another 1000 points facing the ranking that will appear on April 3. So, If the Spaniard does not revalidate his title in Florida, the Serb could regain first place, even without playing. But if the Murcian wins both tournaments, he will reach the European clay-court season in first place.
The other one who can capitalize on the absence of the champion of 22 Grand Slam titles is Tsitsipas, third in the ranking with 5,805 points. The Greek, who has some back problems after the Australian Open, did not have a good tour last year, so only defends 135 points in total for the third round in Indian Wells and the round of 16 in Miami. Discounted that harvest, the Hellenic is 1,490 points behind Djokovic with 2,000 at stake.
Although he has no chance of reaching number one in the next ranking after Indian Wells, he could after Miami on April 3. For it, he needs to at least win one tournament and reach the final in the other. In this way he would add 1600 points and would displace the Serbian by 110. Among so many numbers, there is a certainty: although Alcaraz and Tsitsipas can pass it, Djokovic will end his forced absence as second in the worst case, as both players cannot pass him simultaneously. Side effects of Djokovic’s position regarding the vaccine against Covid.
