ATP Rankings: Why Djokovic needs to win one match at the US Open to return to No 1

The Serb has closed the gap between himself and Alcaraz to just 20 points after his title win in Cincinnati last week

Novak Djokovic wins Western and Southern Open title in Cincinnati, 2023

Novak Djokovic celebrates winning Western and Southern Open title in Cincinnati, 2023 Zuma / Panoramic

Jamie Malachy

August 27, 2023

US Open •First round • completed

See draw

A. MullervsN. Djokovic

Carlos Alcaraz remains the world No 1 after the Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati, and shall go into the US Open as the top seed as a result.

However, having won his 39th Masters 1000 title after a truly extraordinary match against the Spaniard, Novak Djokovic has cut the gap between himself and Alcaraz even further.

The Serb now sits just 20 points behind his newest rival.

This has fundamentally shifted the landscape of the ATP rankings and means that Djokovic has all but guaranteed a return to the No 1 spot after the US Open.

Too tough to die 💪

The moment @DjokerNole locked up his record 39th Masters title in THE MOST DRAMATIC fashion, 5-7 7-6 7-6 over Carlos Alcaraz #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/B7GGCPfjDX
— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) August 21, 2023

All he needs to do is win his first-round match in New York and he will be back at the top of the rankings when they are published on Monday 11th September following the final Grand Slam of the year.

This is because Djokovic – as well as being only 20 points behind Alcaraz – has no ranking points to defend in New York this year, having missed the tournament due to Covid-19 vaccination requirements in 2022.

Alcaraz, on the other hand, needs to win the tournament just to ensure he breaks even with the 2000 points that will be coming off his ranking after the US Open.

Zverev continues to rebuild his rightful ranking position

The biggest mover in the Top 20 this week was Alexander Zverev, as he continues to climb back up the rankings following more than six months out with an ankle injury last year.

The German has been making steady and impressive progress as he begins to find the form that he is capable of.

Having won Hamburg last month, the 2020 US Open finalist capped off a positive lead up to New York with a last four finish in Cincinnati.

It means he jumps five places up to world No 12.

With no ranking points to defend at the US Open, a good run in the last major of the season will pay huge dividends for the German on his journey back to the Top 5.

Australian duo both make huge strides

Hurkacz reaps the rewards for an excellent week in the Midwest, climbing three places to No 17.

Australian pair Popyrin and Purcell both make huge leaps – the two biggest inside the Top 100 – to climb to No 40 and No 47 respectively, after unexpectedly strong showings in Cincinnati.

Mannarino also climbs nine places up to world No 23 as he closes in on a Top 20 berth.