Carlos Alcaraz eyeing up Novak Djokovic’s world No 1 spot after stunning Indian Wells win
Carlos Alcaraz won his first title since Wimbledon last summer as he hammered Daniil Medvedev into submission in the Indian Wells final, but what does this mean for his hopes of ousting Novak Djokovic at the top of the world rankings?
After his epic win against Australian Open champion Jannik Sinner in the semi-finals, Alcaraz turned on the style as he beat Medvedev 7-6(5), 6-1 to win back-to-back titles in Indian Wells.
This was arguably an even more emphatic performance than Alcaraz served up against Sinner on Saturday, as he ended the Italian’s unbeaten record in 2024 in a thrilling contest.
The successful defence of his Indian Wells title ensured Alcaraz defended the 1,000 ranking points he won in the tournament last year and now he will get a chance to gain more ranking points in the Miami Open.
With world No 1 Novak Djokovic opting not to play in Miami and confirming he will play a limited tournament schedule in 2024, it may be inevitable that his long reign at the top of the ATP rankings will end at some point this year.
Yet Alcaraz may have to be patient for his chance, as he has a lot of points to defend from a run to the semi-finals in Miami last year, as well as in the clay court events in Barcelona and Madrid, where he lifted the titles last year.
His run to the semi-finals of the French Open and wins on grass courts at the Queen’s Club in London and, famously, in an epic final against Djokovic at Wimbledon last summer means Alcaraz’s hopes of ousting Djokovic as world No 1 may have to wait until the second half of 2024.
World No 3 Sinner may have a better chance of claiming top spot in the rankings as he has fewer ranking points to defend over the next couple of months and if he enjoyed good performances on clay courts, he has a chance to make up ground on Djokovic and Alcaraz.
READ MORE: Jannik Sinner gives injury update as he makes it clear he will only play in Miami on one condition
For now, the rankings chase is not at the forefront of Alcaraz’s mind, as he is revelling in the moment of his latest victory at Indian Wells.
“Winning tournaments helps a lot coming to the next ones,” said Alcaraz said.
“Obviously winning a Masters 1000 again — it is a really difficult tournament to win — gives you extra motivation to keep going, extra confidence for Miami right now and for what’s next. For me it’s it’s amazing to lift this amazing trophy again, a really beautiful one.”
Former British No 1 Tim Henman suggested Alcaraz’s return to title winning ways was no surprise, as he backed the Spaniard to build on his latest triumph in the Californian desert.
“He looks like he was born to win these big titles. He looks so motivated. He’s putting in the hard work,” said Henman.
“It’ll be interesting to see how many of these Masters 1000 titles and Grand Slams he can win the future.
“To win so much at this age is just incredible.”
Alcaraz is only the second player in the event’s history to win the men’s singles in back-to-back years before turning 21, after Boris Becker in 1987 and 1988.