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Novak Djokovic could not play in Indian Wells and Miami due to his vaccination status. Thus, Novak lost the ATP throne to Carlos Alcaraz, who clinched the title in the desert and added 1000 ATP points to his tally. Djokovic praised his young opponent, saying he deserves to become world no.
1 again
. Carlos honored Novak after winning Indian Wells, saying he wanted to play against him as soon as possible. A 22-time Major winner sent a classy response, taking nothing away from the Spaniard. Carlos missed three months due to a couple of injuries, missing the ATP Finals and the Australian Open and allowing Novak to become world no.1 following his tenth crown in Melbourne. Alcaraz has lost only one match this season, like Djokovic, and they should compete again in Monte Carlo in April. Miami should be the last ATP event that Novak can not enter due to his vaccination status.
He hopes to get the green light and compete in the USA in August, setting his eyes on the US Open.
Novak Djokovic praised his rival Carlos Alcaraz after losing the ATP throne.
Djokovic will become the world's best player again in two weeks if Alcaraz fails to defend the Miami title, and we should get more of their matches in the upcoming months.
Carlos and Novak met once in Madrid last year and turned it into an epic clash. The young gun prevailed 6-7, 7-5, 7-6 after three hours and 35 minutes of atomic tennis. Thus, the Spaniard became the first player with wins over Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic at a clay-court event!
Carlos won three points more than Novak and saved eight out of ten break chances. Djokovic fought well and defended five out of six break chances. The Serb got broken once, and it was still insufficient to carry him over the top.
The Spaniard was a more aggressive player, hitting 50 winners and 57 mistakes and prevailing in the decisive moments to advance into the final. "I do not want to live too much in the future. I'm focused on the present moment while thinking about creating a better future.
I congratulate Carlos; he deserves to get back the no. 1 spot. I had to skip Indian Wells and Miami, which was a pity, as I love those tournaments. I had plenty of success there, but at the same time, I knew there would be a possibility for me to skip them in the current situation.
I hope things will change for the US Open. It's the most important tournament on American soil, and I want to be there," Novak Djokovic said.
