How The Alcaraz-Djokovic Blockbuster Can Decide World No. 1
The tantalising Roland Garros semi-final showdown between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will have more than a place in the final on the line. The match could decide who leaves Paris as World No. 1 in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings.
If Alcaraz defeats Djokovic, he will guarantee his standing as World No. 1 on 12 June. If Djokovic wins, he will be one win from a record-setting 23rd major title and a return to World No. 1 next Monday.
A lot can swing on the result of the semi-final blockbuster. Alcaraz can block Djokovic’s path to reclaiming No. 1 and also take a commanding lead himself.
Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings (as of 6 June)
| Player | Points | Max Points |
| 1) Carlos Alcaraz | 7,175 | 8,455 |
| 2) Novak Djokovic | 6,315 | 7,595 |
| 3) Daniil Medvedev | 6,100 | - |
| 4) Stefanos Tsitsipas | 4,920 | - |
| 5) Holger Rune* | 4,375 | 6,015 |
| 6) Casper Ruud* | 4,120 | 5,760 |
If Alcaraz wins Roland Garros, he will leave Paris with a 2,140-point lead over Djokovic. If Djokovic claims his third Coupe des Mousquetaires, he will lead the Spaniard by 420 points. That is a potential 2,560-point swing.
No player on the other half of the draw has an opportunity to ascend to World No. 1, but Holger Rune and Casper Ruud, who are No. 5 and No. 6 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, respectively, have a chance to move up. The quarter-final opponents both can climb as high as World No. 4 by the end of the tournament.
There is also a three-way battle for the lead in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin. Daniil Medvedev currently holds top spot with 4,310 points, but his grasp on the position is not firm.
Alcaraz can climb to first by reaching the final in Paris and Djokovic can do so by winning the title.