Inside Alcaraz vs. Djokovic Battle For World No. 1 In Cincinnati

Carlos Alcaraz is in control of his own destiny this week in the battle for No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings at the Western & Southern Open.

If the Spaniard reaches the Cincinnati final, he will retain No. 1 leading into the US Open. Otherwise, Novak Djokovic will have an opportunity to reclaim top spot.

If the 20-year-old Alcaraz advances to the semi-finals, he will force the Serbian to make the final to take back World No. 1. Djokovic must reach the championship clash to have a chance.

Cincinnati Points Breakdown Per Round

There is the possibility of a tie, too. If Djokovic makes the final and Alcaraz reaches the quarter-finals, they both will have 9,395 points. Djokovic would reclaim World No. 1 in that scenario because he holds more combined Pepperstone ATP Rankings points from the mandatory tournaments (Grand Slams, ATP Masters 1000 mandatory tournaments and Nitto ATP Finals).

If Djokovic retakes World No. 1 this week, he will retain it at least through the US Open, where Alcaraz is defending 2,000 points. No matter what happens in Cincinnati, Djokovic will arrive in Flushing Meadows with an opportunity. to leave with No. 1.

Alcaraz has already held World No. 1 for 33 weeks since first ascending to the top after winning last year’s US Open. The Spaniard has spent more weeks in the position than 12 other former World No. 1s, including Mats Wilander, Daniil Medvedev, Andy Roddick and his coach, Juan Carlos Ferrero. He is trying to earn ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by Pepperstone honours for the second consecutive year.

Djokovic owns the record for weeks at World No. 1 (389) and year-end No. 1 finishes (7). The 36-year-old most recently was No. 1 in June.