If Sinner reaches the final in Paris, he will be guaranteed to become the new world No 1 even if Djokovic defends his French Open title
Novak Djokovic’s early exit in the ongoing Rome Masters has opened up the door for Italy’s Jannik Sinner to replace the Serb at the top of the world rankings by the end of the French Open.
The 36-year-old Serb will have a lead of 1,090 points over Sinner in the updated rankings next week but will drop 2,000 points when Roland-Garros starts as he had won the title in 2023. Sinner, who missed Rome due to a hip injury and remains doubtful about starting in Paris, will drop only 45 rankings points as he lost in the second round 12 months ago.
That scenario means that 22-year-old Sinner will start Roland-Garros with a lead of 865 points over the 24-time Grand Slam champion. Even if his injury prevents Sinner playing at the French Open, Djokovic will need to reach the final (1,300 ranking points for reaching the final) to have any chance of retaining the No 1 spot.
A title defence for Djokovic could still see him lose the top spot if Sinner reaches the final in Paris. If Djokovic finished as runner-up in Paris, Sinner would need reach the semi-finals in Paris to go on top of the rankings.
If Sinner does ascend to the top of the rankings would make him the first Italian player to become world No 1 in men’s tennis.
