Alcaraz confirms intentions to dethrone Djokovic in French Open blow

Carlos Alcaraz has shared his plans to snatch the world No 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic. After defending his Madrid Open title, the 20-year-old will dethrone the Serb as long as he plays in the Rome Masters – something he confirmed on Sunday. It also means Alcaraz will be the top seed at the French Open in a blow to two-time champion Djokovic.

Alcaraz enjoyed another successful week playing at home in Spain, where he is now unbeaten since 2021. The world No 2 picked up his 10th career trophy in Madrid on Sunday, successfully defending the title he won 12 months ago.

It now leaves him just five points behind Djokovic in the official ATP rankings, with the 35-year-old tasked with defending his own title at the Rome Masters over the coming fortnight. And Alcaraz is guaranteed to overtake the current world No 1, as he will receive 10 ranking points just for playing in Italy.

The Spaniard didn’t play at last year’s Italian Open so has no points to defend and earns 10 just for competing, as he received a bye into the second round. Meanwhile, Djokovic can only lose points or retain the 1,000 he picked up from winning the title last year.

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And Alcaraz doubled down on his plans of playing in Rome after lifting the title in Madrid, as he previously confirmed it was his intention earlier in the week. “They are very beautiful achievements for me,” he said of his victory at the Madrid Open.

“It is my 10th title, my fourth Masters 1000.” Alcaraz was well aware that he was closing in on the top spot, confirming his plans to make his debut in Rome. He added: “Defending the title here in Madrid, on the brink of regaining No 1, are very big things.

“I feel very proud of the work and the achievements that I am achieving. I am an ambitious boy and we are going to go for Rome.” It means the 20-year-old will return to world No 1 on May 22 after the conclusion of the final Masters of the clay swing.

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That ranking also guarantees him a spot as the top seed at the French Open, while Djokovic will be the second seed at best. It gives Alcaraz an even bigger boost at Roland Garros, where he is arguably the current favourite given Djokovic and Rafael Nadal’s recent injury issues.

The 10-time title winner is undefeated on European clay this season and has lost just two matches all year – the Rio final and the Miami semi-final. He also has not competed at a Grand Slam tournament since winning the US Open meaning he is on a seven-match winning streak at the Majors.

And Alcaraz has already publicly set his sights on winning the French Open. During the Miami Masters earlier this year, he said: “Roland Garros is the next Grand Slam and for me it’s a very, very good goal and I’m really looking forward to it.”

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