Djokovic Keeps Enormous Points Lead Over Alcaraz Intact In Latest ATP Rankings

| by Nurein Ahmed

Novak Djokovic posted another week as World No. 1 on the stats sheet and will remain there at least until the end of the Australian Open.

The Serb had 11,055 at the start of his title defense, which got off to a great start after beating Croatian qualifier Dino Prizmic in an absolute slugfest lasting four hours. Djokovic must win the title to be absolutely certain of keeping his number-one ranking.

He is in a three-way battle with Carlos Alcaraz (2nd) and Daniil Medvedev (3rd) for the right to remain as World No. 1. Alcaraz doesn't defend any points in Melbourne after missing last year's tournament due to injury, so he can bridge the gap of 2,200 points or possibly overtake Djokovic.

The same case applies to Medvedev, who only dropped 90 points after exiting last year's Australian Open in the third round, but his odds are much higher than Alcaraz's. The rest of the Top 10 remains unchanged from last week, which means Alex de Minaur will enjoy a second week in the world's Top 10.

Czech Jiri Lehecka topped the podium in Adelaide, where he bagged a first ATP title on Saturday and rose to a career-high ranking of No. 23. Cameron Norrie, meanwhile, exited the world's Top 20 after pulling out from Auckland before his scheduled quarterfinal against eventual champion Alejandro Tabilo.

Tabilo was also the other surprise winner this past weekend after winning the ASB Classic from qualifying. The big-serving Chilean motored into the world's Top 50, joining compatriot Nicolas Jarry in that club. He was the biggest mover in the Top 100.

Beaten finalist in Auckland, Taro Daniel, rose to a career-best ranking of No. 58, while British lefty Jack Draper re-entered the Top 60 thanks to another runner-up finish on the ATP Tour. The 22-year-old from Sutton will be ranked at No. 55 during the Australian Open.

Italy's Flavio Cobolli celebrated his return to the Top 100 in style. The 21-year-old scored one of the upsets of the tournament by knocking out 18th seed Jarry in the opening round of the Australian Open for just his second Grand Slam main draw win. He rose two places to 100th in the new rankings.

As always, you can visit our dedicated rankings page to check on your favorite players and track all the movements this past week.

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