There is always a lot at stake at the majors. There is even more on the line at Roland Garros this year thanks to a three-way battle for the No. 1 spot in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
World No. 1 Novak Djokovic, World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev and World No. 3 Alexander Zverev can all emerge from Paris atop the men's tennis mountain, setting up for a thrilling fortnight in Paris.
In the immediate aftermath of the clay-court major, Djokovic holds his fate in his own hands in the battle for No. 1. If the Serbian wins the title, he will remain in top spot for a 373rd week on 6 June. If Djokovic does not reach the semi-finals, both Medvedev and Zverev have an opportunity to move to World No. 1.
Potential Pepperstone ATP Rankings Points (6 June) Based On RG Result
| 6 June | 1R | 2R | 3R | 4R | QF | SF | F | W |
| Novak Djokovic | 8420 | 8455 | 8500 | 8590 | 8770 | 9130 | 9610 | 10410 |
| Daniil Medvedev | 7990 | 8025 | 8070 | 8160 | 8340 | 8700 | 9180 | 9980 |
| Alexander Zverev | 7085 | 7120 | 7165 | 7255 | 7435 | 7795 | 8275 | 9075 |
However, one week after Roland Garros concludes, the situation could dramatically change. Because the tournament was played one week later than normal last year, the trio will still count their 2021 Roland Garros points for the week of 6 June.
But on 13 June, Djokovic will drop his 2021 Roland Garros champion's points (2,000), opening the door for Medvedev or Zverev to replace him at the top of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. If Djokovic does not win Roland Garros this year, he will relinquish top spot that day.
If Medvedev reaches the Roland Garros final, he will return to World No. 1 on 13 June, even if Djokovic lifts the trophy. If Zverev wins the tournament and Medvedev does not reach the final, the German will become the 28th World No. 1. If Medvedev reaches the semi-finals in Paris and earns more than 15 points at the ATP 250 event in the week of 6 June at 's-Hertogenbosch, this would prevent Zverev from going to World No. 1 on 13 June even if he triumphs at Roland Garros.
Potential Pepperstone ATP Rankings Points (13 June) Based On RG Result
| 13 June | 1R | 2R | 3R | 4R | QF | SF | F | W |
| Novak Djokovic | 6420 | 6455 | 6500 | 6590 | 6770 | 7130 | 7610 | 8410 |
| Daniil Medvedev | 7630 | 7665 | 7710 | 7800 | 7980 | 8340 | 8820 | 9620 |
| Alexander Zverev | 6365 | 6400 | 6445 | 6535 | 6715 | 7075 | 7555 | 8355 |
*Does not include potential points earned the week of 6 June
The only thing that could potentially affect these scenarios is if Djokovic or Zverev accept a wild card into an ATP 250 the week of 6 June, when Medvedev is already scheduled to compete.
While the focus will be on the battle for World No. 1, there will be continued attention on the rise of 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz, who enters Roland Garros at a career-high No. 6. Should he win his maiden Grand Slam title, the Spaniard could move to as high as No. 4 on 6 June and No. 3 one week later on 13 June.
