Google News The game of throne: Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz chasing each other
by LORENZO CIOTTI | VIEW 5760
In the game of thrones, you either win or you get behind, you certainly don't die! But Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz are leading the game of the ATP throne, as in a dance, or a duel. Carlos Alcaraz confirmed himself as champion of the Mutua Madrid Open, the fourth round of the season in the Masters 1000 category.
The Spanish champion beat Jan Lennard Struff in the final and left an unequivocal message to all his opponents. His candidacy for the upcoming tournaments in Rome and Roland the Garros is stronger than ever. The Murciano is partially repeating the same path that saw him as a protagonist last season and which then saw him finish on the top step of the ranking.
In 2022 the neo-twenty-year-old conquered Miami, Barcelona and precisely Madrid. This year he had a very similar performance, obtaining the victory at Indian Wells, as well as the two tournaments on clay. This umpteenth success brought him to just 5 lengths from the current number one in the world, Novak Djokovic, who will have to defend his title in Rome this week.
At the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, where Alcaraz has never yet had the opportunity to compete, he will therefore be able to register the new overtaking at the top. But another figure testifies to the importance of the Spaniard's numbers.
In fact, Carlos is also first in the Race towards the ATP Finals in Turin, which will be played in November. The reigning champion of the US Open has in fact surpassed Daniil Medvedev, another absolute protagonist of this first phase of the season.
The forfeit in Madrid costs Jannik Sinner a position
Another protagonist of the circuit is undoubtedly our Jannik Sinner, who is ready to return to the field. The Italian will be present at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, after missing the Mutua Madrid Open due to some physical problems.
The Italian had retired in the quarter-finals of the Barcelona tournament against Lorenzo Musetti, causing concern among his fans, who feared not seeing him in the important commitments in Rome and Paris. Jannik, on the other hand, preferred to recover from the accumulated efforts to arrive fresh at one of the most heartfelt appointments of the season.
However, the forfeit from the last tournament cost him a position in the Race. Stefanos Tsitsipas overtook him, finishing in fourth place. To complete the podium, behind Alcaraz are Medvedev and Djokovic. Andrey Rublev, winner of Monte-Carlo, Taylor Fritz and Karen Khakhanov are also among the hypothetical group currently suspected of qualifying.
