Russian tennis star Daniil Medvedev has voiced his belief that Carlos Alcaraz could regain the World No. 1 ranking and unseat Novak Djokovic. The two tennis giants have been locked in a season-long battle for the top spot in the rankings.
Alcaraz held the coveted World No. 1 ranking leading up to the 2023 US Open, the final Grand Slam event of the year. However, Djokovic had a chance to reclaim the top position with a victory in his first-round match against Alexandre Muller at the New York Slam.
Djokovic seized the opportunity and made a triumphant return to Flushing Meadows, defeating Muller with ease in a match that ended 6-0, 6-2, 6-3. His victory ensured that he would regain the World No. 1 ranking when the rankings were updated after the tournament.
Medvedev, currently ranked World No. 3, recently advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2023 China Open. During a press conference, he was asked about his prospects of finishing the season as the World No. 1.
While expressing his dream of achieving the top ranking, Medvedev acknowledged the immense challenge he faces due to the significant points lead held by Djokovic and Alcaraz. He stated, “For the end of the year, it would be tough. I mean, I guess I can, but I need to win every tournament that I’m going to play. That’s what I always try to do everywhere I play. I want to win. The dream is for sure here.”
However, Medvedev also recognized the daunting task at hand, with Djokovic holding a lead of over 2,000 points and Alcaraz also in a strong position. He predicted that Alcaraz might emerge as the World No. 1 by season’s end, particularly due to the Spaniard’s active tournament schedule.
“Right now, by logic, I would say Carlos is going to finish No. 1 because he’s going to play a little bit more tournaments than Novak. But let’s see,” remarked the former US Open champion.
As the season unfolds, tennis fans eagerly anticipate the outcome of the race for the World No. 1 ranking and the potential shifts in the tennis hierarchy.
Medvedev ends Carlos Alcaraz’s US Open title defense
World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz, who captured his maiden Grand Slam title at the 2022 US Open, aimed to defend his title at the 2023 edition with high hopes and expectations.
However, Alcaraz’s journey took an unexpected turn when he faced the formidable opponent, Daniil Medvedev, in the semifinals of the tournament. In a hard-fought battle, the Russian overcame the defending champion in four sets, with a final score of 7-6 (3), 6-1, 3-6, 6-3.
Medvedev’s victory propelled him into the championship match, setting the stage for a much-anticipated rematch against Novak Djokovic. Their encounter mirrored their clash in the 2021 US Open finals, where Medvedev denied Djokovic a Career Grand Slam.
However, this time, Djokovic exacted sweet revenge by defeating his long-standing rival in straight sets, securing a 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 triumph and claiming his historic 24th Grand Slam title.
The 2023 US Open marked a significant chapter in the world of tennis, with Alcaraz’s title defense bid halted by Medvedev, and Djokovic further solidifying his legendary status in the sport.
Alcaraz in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2023
Now the world no.2, Carlos owns a composed 59-7 match record in 2023. Alcaraz is now having a run in Beijing where he ousted the world no.53 Yannick Hanfmann 6-4 6-3.
Carlos Alcaraz will face the world no.18 Lorenzo Musetti in the 2nd round on Sunday at 5:30 pm on DIAMOND. Their actual head to head record is 2-1 for Alcaraz.
The Spaniard clinched 6 titles in 2023 in Buenos Aires, Indian Wells, Barcelona, Madrid, London and Wimbledon. Carlos was the runner-up in Rio de Janeiro (Rio Open) and in Cincinnati (Western & Southern Open).
Carlos won 13 titles in his career: 3 on hard courts, 7 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 2 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Alcaraz has scheduled to compete next in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of October.
Medvedev in Beijing, ranking, and results in 2023
Ranked no.3, Daniil achieved a 57-12 record in 2023. Medvedev is currently competing in Beijing where he conquered the world no.13 Tommy Paul 6-2 6-1 and the world no.12 Alex De Minaur 7-63 6-3.
Daniil Medvedev will come up against the world no.36 Ugo Humbert in the quarter. Their head to head is 2-0 for Humbert.
Medvedev clinched 5 titles in 2023 in Rotterdam, Doha, Dubai, Miami and Rome. Daniil got to the final in Indian Wells (BNP Paribas Open) and at the U.S. Open.
Daniil won 20 titles in his career: 10 on hard courts, 1 on clay courts, 8 on indoor courts and 1 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
Medvedev is scheduled to play next in Shanghai (Shanghai Rolex Masters). He will start from the main draw that will commence on the 4th of October.
Carlos Alcaraz and Daniil Medvedev squared off 4 times. Their actual head to head record is 2-2. The last time they played each other, Daniil Medvedev won 7-6(3) 6-1 3-6 6-3 in the semifinal in New York (U.S. Open) on the 8th of September 2023.
You can see them in action in the following highlights.
Novak Djokovic in 2023
Currently ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 15th of September when he defeated world no.25 Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 6-3 6-4 in the Rubber 2 of the Davis Cup (draw).
This season the Serbian has a 46-5 record. Novak conquered 5 titles in 2023 in Adelaide, Australian Open, French Open, Cincinnati and U.S. Open. Djokovic was the finalist in Wimbledon.
Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and Novak Djokovic |
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