Novak Djokovic continues to write history by regaining the top spot in the rankings despite being banned from playing in Indian Wells and Miami. Carlos Alcaraz failed to defend his title at the Miami Open last year, so the Serb passed him to reclaim the top spot without even taking part in the tournament. This means that Djokovic will continue to accumulate record weeks at the top of the rankings, widening the gap between him and Roger Federer.
Djokovic returned to the top spot in the standings today despite being banned from the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments following US Homeland Security’s denial of his vaccine waiver request. It means he was dethroned when Alcaraz won Indian Wells, with the teenager taking the top spot on March 20 and the 35-year-old demoted to 2nd place.
But the winner of 22 Majors once again overtook Alcaraz after the Spaniard failed to defend his title at the Miami Open in 2022, losing an epic semi-final to Jannik Sinner. Before the tournament kicked off, the Serb had already set a new record for the number of weeks spent in first place, overtaking Steffi Graf.
Djokovic dethroned Federer for the most ATP weeks in first place in 2021 and will continue to get ahead of the now-retired Swiss star as he enters his 381st week at the top – Federer having 310 weeks and Graf 377.
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When the 35-year-old was passed by Alcaraz last month, he revealed he had “no regrets” not getting the shot, even though it kept him out of action at Indian Wells. which caused him to lose his No. he told CNN.
Djokovic also said Alcaraz deserved to be number 1 at the time, but have now passed the eight-time winner of the tournament ahead of their return to competition. At the time, he explained: “I congratulate Alcaraz. He absolutely deserves to return to first place.”
The Serb will return to competition next week at the Monte-Carlo Masters after being unable to play the “sunshine double”. He will then play the ATP 250 in Banja Luka, under the guidance of his brother Djordje.
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After losing the No. 1 spot to Djokovic, Alcaraz said he was more concerned with trying to achieve the “Sunshine Double”, meaning winning Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back. I don’t think about the fact that I lost #1, I lost the Sunshine Double. I don’t think about it,” he said.
“Of course it’s a shame, but I had the opportunity to get the Sunshine Double, but I think I’ll still have years to try to get it. But all I think about is improving my level to beat Jannik. Yes, for me it’s just a lost tournament semi-final.
