"I don’t want to go into discussion what if I played less or more" - Djokovic on Alcaraz securing year-end No. 1 spot

| by Jamie Malachy

Novak Djokovic has given his verdict on Carlos Alcaraz finishing with the coveted year-end World No. 1 spot, saying that he would prefer not discuss 'what ifs' regarding his season, and that the teenage sensation is fully deserving of his place at the rankings summit.

"To be part of history is an amazing feeling" - Alcaraz collects year-end no. 1 trophy
"To be part of history is an amazing feeling" - Alcaraz collects year-end no. 1 trophy

The current World No. 8 has been in scintillating form in Turin this week, as he has been for the entirety of when he has been on court this season. Djokovic was unable to play in four masters events in North America He also could not participate in the US Open or the Australian Open, and he lost 2000 ranking points at Wimbledon despite winning the tournament.

Given all this, it is quite astonishing that he is currently firmly placed within the world's top 8, and could end the season back inside the top 5.

Speaking to press at the ATP Finals in Turin this week, the Wimbledon champion said, "He deserves it, no doubt about it. I don’t want to go into discussion what if I played less or more, whatever. It is what it is. Reality is that he’s No. 1. He deserves to be there. He won a slam. He won many matches in tournaments".

With Nadal's early exit from the tournament, Carlos Alcaraz was confirmed as the year-end World No. 1. But with Djokovic's current form, and the season he has had, some are posing the question of the authenticity of the young Spaniard's achievement.

The Serb, however, has been quick to bat this away. "He’s, I think, a great new face and a player for our sport. He’s a very nice guy. Works very hard. Has a good team of people around him. Represents himself and tennis in a good way. I find only the positive things to say about him", said Novak.

"I’m always thankful to go through experiences, no matter what’s experiences are. I try to be optimistic and positive in life. I look forward to start the new year in Australia, and we’ll see how the next year goes".

With the 21-time Grand Slam champion looking to be able to play a more active role next year, the rankings battle between the rapidly rising Alcaraz and the former World No. 1 may just be one of the great battles of the season.

Djokovic stays perfect in Turin with another superb display of dominance
Djokovic stays perfect in Turin with another superb display of dominance

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