Jannik Sinner has just started his 37th week at the top of the ATP ranking, overtaking his huge rival Carlos Alcaraz in this particular ranking. However, the Italian ace will not be able to compete on the professional tour until May 4, after reaching an agreement with WADA for a three-month suspension.
Although he will have to miss six tournaments in this time frame (including four Masters 1000), it will still not be easy for his opponents to dethrone him before his return (which will take place at the Rome Masters 1000 in front of his fans).
Although Alexander Zverev is the current world No.2, many believe that Alcaraz is Jannik’s main opponent (especially after the 2025 Australian Open final).
Alcaraz ponders overtaking Sinner
At this precise moment, the young Spaniard is 3920 points away from Sinner in the ATP ranking. The 23-year-old from Sesto Pusteria is set to lose 1600 points during his suspension period, which is why a good opportunity lies ahead for Carlitos.
Theoretically, the 21-year-old from Murcia has a chance to score 3600 points in the next three months. The current world No. 3 can earn 500 points in Doha if he lifts the trophy this week and has to achieve prestigious results in both the American Masters 1000 (Indian Wells and Miami).
It is worth mentioning that the 4-time Grand Slam champion had missed several tournaments in this segment of the season last year. Notably, Carlos had been unable to play the Monte Carlo Masters 1000, Barcelona ATP 500 and Rome Masters 1000 in 2024 due to a forearm injury.
The Spaniard’s first goal is certainly to overtake Zverev in the ATP ranking. The German champion – who was prematurely eliminated in Buenos Aires last week – will play the Rio Open this week and 725 points ahead of Alcaraz.
The ace from Murcia will have his first chance to overtake the German at the Miami Open, where he won the first Masters 1000 of his career in 2022.
Tennis World USA