Djokovic outgunned by Sinner in race for world No. 1 spot
One of the major stakes at this 2024 edition of Roland-Garros is the position of world number 1. And let's face it, Novak Djokovic will have a tough time holding on to his position at the top of the ATP rankings.
Jannik Sinner, who is 1,190 points behind the Serb, is looking more threatening than ever. All the more so since he qualified for the 2nd round on Monday, equalling his performance of 2023. As a result, the Italian no longer has a point to defend, and the rest of his 2024 journey in Paris will be a bonus from an accounting point of view.
Djokovic, the defending champion (he has 2,000 points to defend), is now obliged to reach at least the final of the event to remain at the top of the ATP rankings. If he succeeds, he will also have to count on Sinner's defeat before the semi-finals. Should the Italian reach the last four, only the title win would allow Nole to remain No. 1.
Finally, in the event of a summit clash between the two men in the final on Sunday June 9 on the clay of Court Philippe Chatrier, it would be the Italian who would become world number 1 for the first time in his career the following day. Regardless of the outcome of the match.
We'll keep you posted over the next few days, starting with Djokovic's opening match on Tuesday evening against France's Pierre-Hugues Herbert. Sinner's next match is also against a Frenchman, Richard Gasquet, in the second round on Thursday.