Medvedev defends Alcaraz against unfair Djokovic suggestions

Novak Djokovic jokes about his age at the Australian Open

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Daniil Medvedev has leapt to Carlos Alcaraz’s defence after being compared to Novak Djokovic following the Spaniard’s return to the top of the world rankings. Alcaraz topped off a successful two weeks in Indian Wells by securing the title against Medvedev in Sunday’s final.

The teenager eased past the Russian star after defeating him in straight sets, 6-3, 6-2. The victory was an important one for Alcaraz, as it saw him leapfrog Djokovic and return to the world No. 1 spot.

Despite taking top spot, the rankings have been doubted by some due to Djokovic’s reduced playing schedule because of his Covid vaccination status. The Serbian’s decision has seen him miss a whole host of events, including last week’s Indian Wells.

Following Sunday’s final Medvedev was asked whether the rankings system were a true reflection of professional tennis, due to Djokovic’s absences. The Russian star was quick to shoot down the question though, rising to the defence of his final opponent.

He said: “Carlos is deservedly World No. 1. He has won more points than everybody else in the last 52 weeks, and that’s how rankings work. Yeah, he was also year-end No. 1 last year, so that’s something I haven’t done, so I’ll try, for sure, in my career, yeah.”

Medvedev also referenced how the injury of the great Rafael Nadal shows it is difficult to raise hypothetical questions in regard to the legitimacy of the rankings. “But it is what it is, you know. If you get injured, I don’t know, Rafa is injured for some time,” he added.

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“We also can say, well, if Rafa would not be injured he would be No. 1. Well, we cannot know because he’s injured. Same about Novak. 

“For sure if he would be able to play last year and this year all the tournaments, there is a possibility that the rankings would be different. But… But, there shouldn’t be no buts.”

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