Novak Djokovic back at the top without playing

(Paris) Novak Djokovic, deprived of tournaments in the United States last month due to his non-vaccinated status, nevertheless recovers Monday the place of No. 1 in the world in the ATP ranking thanks to the defeat of his Spanish rival Carlos Alcaraz in the semi-finals in Miami.

Sacred in Indian Wells, California, on March 19, Alcaraz took over the throne from “Djoko”. But the young Spanish prodigy, who was defending champion in Florida, lost Friday in the semi-final against the Italian Jannik Sinner, which allows the Serbian legend to experience a 380^e week at the top of the world hierarchy, a record.

“Nole” now has a 380 point lead over his young runner-up, while Stefanos Tsitsipas retains third place, but is sailing more than 1000 behind the leading duo.

Behind the Greek, Daniil Medvedev takes advantage of his final victory in Miami to grab a place (4^e), at the expense of the Norwegian Casper Ruud. The Russian is the strong man of this start to the season since he won a fourth title in the “Sunshine state” in 2023, after Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai.

At 27, this is also his fifth title in a Masters 1000, and his 19^e title in total on the professional circuit.

Sinner, his unfortunate opponent in the final in Miami, can console himself a little with the two places gained, which allows him to integrate the top 10 (9^e).

Also beaten by Medvedev, in the semi-finals, the Russian Karen Khachanov recorded the best operation at the top of the classification, climbing five places (11^e).

Still convalescing, however, Rafael Nadal continues to slide (14^e-1).