Carlos Alcaraz has been faced with a further setback in his quest to become the year-end World No.1. The 20-year old has pulled out of the upcoming Swiss Open owing to an injury. With this, he is set to lose 180 ranking points. However he can still surpass Novak Djokovic in the rankings and become the World No.1.
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Carlos Alcaraz was set to play in the Swiss Indoors as the top seed. However an inflammation on the left foot and problems in his gluteal muscles has forced him to skip the tournament.
After the tournament, Alcaraz will have 8,625 rankings points. While Djokovic will continue to lead at the top with 11,045 ranking points.
Paris Masters likely to feature both Carlos Alcaraz & Djokovic
The upcoming Paris Masters will be the first time since the US Open this year where both Djokovic and Alcaraz will feature in a tournament. Djokovic will be defending 600 points in the tournament. Alcaraz meanwhile will have 180 points to defend.
Alcaraz’s participation in the Paris Masters is still doubtful owing to his latest injury. If he misses the tournament as well his ranking point will drop down to 8445.
However if Djokovic wins the title at Paris Masters, then it will close the doors for Alcaraz to get to the World No.1 spot.
Djokovic has pressure to defend ATP Finals title
If Djokovic fails to add any more points to his name in Paris Masters, the ATP Finals at the end of the year provides a perfect opportunity for the Spaniard to surpass Djokovic in the rankings.
Carlos Alcaraz missed the tournament last year owing to an injury. He can earn upto 1500 points in the tournament. Meanwhile Djokovic is set to lose the 1500 points in the event of him losing the ATP Finals as he is the defending champion.
Alcaraz now hopes he gets back to full fitness ahead of the Paris Masters. Though it is difficult, the youngster will look to keep the hopes alive to become the year-end World No1. for the second successive year.