Only 90 points expire for the number one, Carlos Alcaraz, who stopped in the third round in the last edition of the AO. The Spaniard will be able to take advantage of this first part of the year to increase the difference with his rivals.
It’s a different story for Mallorcan champion Rafael Nadal: the Iberian will have to defend his victories at the ATP 250 in Melbourne and at the Australian Open, for a total of 2,250 starting points. Rafa will try not to lose too many places in the standings, perhaps with a good result in the United Cup.
Great opportunities for Casper Ruud, as he only has 125 points left and he too can attempt an assault at the top of the standings. Stefanos Tsitsipas will have to repeat his excellent start to the year in 2022, with a semi-final in Melbourne (780).
A golden opportunity is undoubtedly in the hands of Novak Djokovic, who will not have points to defend for the case that broke out last year. The Serb will start in Adelaide, before concentrating on the Slam which he has already won nine times in his career.
750 points behind Felix Auger-Aliassime, who will have to find a real breakthrough to climb back up the standings. The Russian Daniil Medvedev won the final in January in Australia: the overall least will be 1495. Andrey Rublev will only lose 90 points throughout the month and can expect to recover positions.
Not so bulky is the account for Taylor Fritz (340), while Hubert Hurkacz will only defend 165 points. The 2023 season began with the celebration of the United Cup, where several of the best players in the world compete in three Australian cities, while several professional tournaments on the WTA and ATP circuit are about to begin, preparing tennis players for the Australian Open.
Medvedev praises Alcaraz
Present in Adelaide where he can aim for the title, Daniil Medvedev was kind enough to project himself into 2023 where the level is likely to be very high. “It is very difficult to predict what may happen because every year young players of very high level enter the competition, while it is also necessary to count on players like Zverev and Thiem, who are looking to regain their best game.
Special mention to Carlos Alcaraz, who is number 1 and has incredible tennis. I think the only way to be successful is to focus on yourself and improve your game. That’s the only way to win big titles at the Masters 1000 and Grand Slams.”
