Rafael Nadal or Carlos Alcaraz? 5 players who can come out of the US Open as the World No.1 in the ATP Rankings
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Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal
US Open 2022 is about to begin in a week’s time where top seeds will battle for the title. Although, five players will also have their eye on the World no.1 in ATP Rankings. Currently, Daniil Medvedev holds the No.1 ranking. Medvedev will be defending the title this year at the US open after his stunning win over former world no.1 Novak Djokovic last year.
Coming into the US Open, Daniil Medvedev’s chances are looking good considering he reached the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Masters but lost to Stefanos Tsitsipas in a thrilling three-setter. The US Open draw will be announced on August 25th at Flushing Meadows, New York. Five of the top-10 seeds will be competing for the World No.1 Position and no, Novak Djokovic is not on the list because his hopes of participating in the US Open are slim due to his unvaccinated status.
Top 5 contenders for the World No.1 Ranking
1) Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev is one of the strongest contenders to win the US Open title and retain his No.1 ranking. In his final against Djokovic last year, Medvedev came into the court with an improved service game for the world’s best returner and a hard-hitting forehand. Medvedev reached the final of the 2022 Australian Open but lost to Rafael Nadal in a draining 5-set match.
Medvedev has a chance to retain his No.1 spot even if he loses in the final, only if Rafael Nadal, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud don’t make it in the final.
2) Rafael Nadal
Rafael Nadal has been suffering with severe abdominal injuries since his Wimbledon quarter-final match against Taylor Fritz this year which he miraculously won in a thrilling 5-set match. Nadal’s early 2022 season was looking good with Australian Open and French Open titles to his name. Leading up to the US Open the Spaniard has struggled with his injuries.
He lost to Borna Coric in the round of 32 at Cincinnati masters. Despite all the struggles, the 36-year-old is looking to win a record 23 grand slam titles to extend his lead in the race. Nadal can become number one even if he loses in the semi-final, given neither Medvedev, Ruud, Tsitsipas nor Alcaraz win the title.
3) Carlos Alcaraz
Currently, seeded at No.4, (his career high) Carlos Alcaraz is the player to be avoided in the draw. In his career-best season, he has won four ATP titles, equaling fellow countryman Rafael Nadal. Out of these 4, he won the Madrid Open by simultaneously defeating Nadal and Djokovic in the quarter-final and semi-final respectively. To achieve the World no.1 ranking, Alcaraz has to reach the final but hope that Nadal is not his opponent where even by winning he won’t be able to get the top spot. In addition to this, he might get the no.1 spot even if he loses the final but not to Medvedev, Ruud or Tsitsipas.
4) Stefanos Tsitsipas
Stefanos Tsitsipas suffered a huge defeat in the final of Cincinnati Masters where he lost to Borna Coric in straight sets after being significantly ahead in the first set. Currently, the World No. 5, is looking to win his maiden grand slam title at the US Open, but the world No.1 spot is not promised to the Greek star even if he wins the final. Tsitsipas will secure the top ranking if he wins the US Open final against any player but Nadal.
5) Caspur Ruud
World No. 7, Ruud is the underdog to watch out for this year at the US Open. The 2022 French Open finalist could snatch the top spot only if he wins the final against any player but Nadal. In addition to this, he can hope to secure the top ranking even if he loses the final, considering his opponents aren’t Medvedev, Tsitsipas or Alcaraz with Nadal losing before the Quarterfinal stage.
Also read: “Star in making” Nick Kyrgios picks Carlos Alcaraz as his favorite to win the US Open 2022
Written By- Urvi Shrivastava
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