Alcaraz's Top Seed at Wimbledon Not 'Worth Highlighting' Due to Djokovic's 2022 Points Snub Says McNamee

| by Alex Waite

Carlos Alcaraz's entry into Wimbledon as the top seed has been criticised by Paul McNamee due to Novak Djokovic's points strip last year.

Despite winning the 2022 Wimbledon title, Djokovic did not receive the usual 2000 ATP ranking points that come with a victory in the Grand Slam as Russian and Belarusian players were banned from the tournament.

With the points, the Serbian would still be top of the standings, but he was recently overtaken by Alcaraz after the Spaniard won the Cinch Championships on his first-ever entry into the tournament.

Ultimately, Alcaraz's reclaiming of the top spot in the ATP rankings means he will be the first player other than Djokovic, Andy Murray, Rafael Nadal, or Roger Federer since 2003 to enter Wimbledon as the top seed. But, McNamee, who won Wimbledon doubles twice in his career, argued on Twitter that the shine has been taken off Alcaraz's achievement due to Djokovic's lost points from 2022.

2023 Wimbledon ATP Draw With Djokovic, Kyrgios, Alcaraz & more
2023 Wimbledon ATP Draw With Djokovic, Kyrgios, Alcaraz & more

"Not sure that’s worth highlighting. Not Alacaraz’ fault at all, but to be fair it’s coinciding with the only time the results from the previous Wimbledon were not considered."

McNamee wrote on Twitter

Alcaraz will be looking to add to his US Open title by producing a strong performance at Wimbledon, especially after his impressive performance at Queen's recently. However, the 20-year-old will need to put in a marked improvement compared to last year's showing at SW19, when he crashed out in the fourth round after a defeat against Jannik Sinner.

In contrast, defending champion Djokovic, who is the second seed in the men's singles draw, will be looking to add to his two Grand Slams of 2023 so far. Also, the Serbian has an imperious recent ongoing winning streak at Wimbledon as he has not lost at the All England Lawn Tennis Club since 2017 and has won the last four editions of the Grand Slam.

Alcaraz Trails Only Nadal In ATP Finals Win Rate Before 21
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