Marathon for number one between Djokovic and Nadal

Because of his triumph within the Australian Open, Novak Djokovic appeared yesterday once more as number one on the earth rating with 9,720 factors, to the detriment of Rafa Nadal, who’s now second with 9,395 forward of Roger Federer, third with 7,130. The Serbian claimed the throne 91 days after shedding it by the hands of the Balearic, who might get well it very quickly. It’s aimed on the ATP 500 of Acapulco (from day 24), the place it defends 45 factors and there are 500 for the winner. Though the Serbian might play the identical week in Dubai, the place he didn’t take part in 2019 and can also be class 500.

The Spaniard is 325 factors from the brand new winner in Melbourne, who defends after 45 in Indian Wells (he fell within the third spherical in opposition to Kohlschreiber), whereas he gained 360 there as a semifinalist final 12 months. As well as, the Large Three, Nadal is the one that should retain extra factors within the the rest of the season. He gained 8,785 for Djokovic's 7,055 and Federer's 6,230, which is farther from the purpose, however on the similar time he can earn greater than his everlasting rivals.

Djokovic loved after his triumph of the photograph shoot of the champions of Australia, which was held within the Royal Botanical Gardens of the capital of Victoria. On a windy day and with some clouds, the solar opened handed through the minutes during which the Balkan posed with the Norman Brookes Problem Cup in his arms and an ear smile. Nole set sail residence to relaxation a number of days earlier than beginning the protection of his number one, which will probably be a marathon.

In 2019 it didn’t go too effectively after profitable the primary Grand Slam of the 12 months till he repeated at Wimbledon, though earlier than he took the Madrid Open. On the finish of the 12 months he triumphed in Paris-Bercy. Nadal overcame an inside disaster and some bodily issues to finish up conducting a big land marketing campaign, with the titles of Rome and Paris, and didn’t get out of the semifinals in 11 tournaments, together with Canada and the US Open, the place he gained. Federer went from much less to extra, gained in Miami, finalist in Wimbledon and gained in Halle and Basel. “Number one is one of my two most important objectives, I don't deny it. The others are the Grand Slams. And, clearly, I nonetheless need to be the most effective ever,” Djokovic acknowledged.

All three may have an analogous calendar in 2020, though the Swiss will in all probability not play three tournaments on land this time. Along with the rating, his combat for the Grand Slam titles will stay alive. Nadal (19) continues with choices to advance Federer (20) this course, whereas Djokovic (17) might solely tie him. “I in all probability gained't be capable of assess the achievements of my profession till I retire,” stated who’s, once more, the opponent to beat.