Novak Djokovic set to maintain rankings lead despite skipping Asian ATP tournaments

The number one ranking has changed hands six times in 2023 between Djokovic and Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz, who had ended 2022 as the top seed. 

However, the 36-year-old Serb's recent first-round 6-0, 6-2, 6-3 win against Frenchman Alexandre Muller at the US Open ensured he returns to the top of the world ranking. 

The 24-time Grand Slam singles title winner had missed the 2022 US Open due to his decision not to be vaccinated for COVID-19, but returned in emphatic fashion to win the 2023 US Open title after also hammering Daniil Medvedev in straight sets in the final. 

Djokovic, who currently sits on 11795 points in the ATP rankings ahead of second seed Carlos Alcaraz (8535 points) has opted to skip all ATP action following his Davis Cup participation with Serbia, where he led his nation to the quarter-finals in Malaga in November, where they will take on Great Britain.

The events the top seed is set to miss include the current 2023 China Open, the Tel Aviv Open and the Astana Open which the Serbian was also defending champion of this year.

Spanish challenger, Alcaraz will participate in all these above-mentioned tournaments following having taken a break after his 2023 US Open semi-final defeat to 27-year-old Daniil Medvedev. 

However, even if the 20-year-old wins the China Open and Shanghai Masters, he will only be able to increase his points total to 10035.

The two top seeds will have a chance to battle for the final world number one showdown at the upcoming Paris Masters and ATP finals this year.

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