How Jannik Sinner can surpass Novak Djokovic and become new ATP World No. 1 without playing the 2024 French Open

Jannik Sinner is yet to confirm his participation in the French Open.

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner can take over World No. 1 Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings if the Serb fails to reach the semi-finals of the 2024 French Open, even if the Italian withdraws from Roland Garros.

In January, Jannik Sinner defeated Novak Djokovic in the semi-final of the 2024 Australian, breaking the Serb’s 33-match unbeaten streak in Melbourne. In addition, the four-set loss was Djokovic’s first loss at the Australian Open since 2018.

After defeating the 10-time Australian Open champion at his favourite Grand Slam, Sinner is now on his way to overtaking the Serb in the ATP Rankings. After the Grand Slam, the Italian also enjoyed a winning campaign at ATP Rotterdam and the Miami Open.

With that, Jannik Sinner also reached his best-ever career rank of #2 in April, leaving behind two-time Grand Slam champion Carlos Alcaraz. However, his breakthrough season received a major blow after he suffered a hip injury at the 2024 Madrid Open.

Sinner was going to face Canada’s Felix Auger Aliassime in the quarterfinals, but he was forced to retire from the tournament. Due to the same injury, he also had to withdraw from the ATP 1000 Italian Open, and his participation in the French Open is also uncertain.

Interestingly, even if the Italian fails to get fit and participate in Roland Garros, he can still become the new ATP World No. #1. Novak Djokovic, who has been in the top spot for a long time, suffered a disappointing third-round loss against Alejandro Tabilo in Rome.

Also Read: ‘He understands tennis on a natural level’ – Anne Hathaway lavishes praise on Jannik Sinner

After the loss, Djokovic is still 1,090 points clear of the Italian. However, the Serb would defend his 2000 ATP ranking points at the 2024 Roland Garros. As a result, the 36-year-old will have to reach at least the semifinals of the Grand Slam to retain his top spot.

In another scenario, if the Serbian tennis star loses in the final, Sinner would have to reach the semi-final of the 2024 French Open to claim the first spot. Hence, Jannik Sinner has a fair chance to become the first Italian in history to become ATP World No. 1.

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