Daniil Medvedev could finally become world no 1 but it depends on Novak Djokovic

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4 years ago

Russia's Daniil Medvedev reacts after a point against Greece's Stefanos Tsitsipas during their men's singles semi-final match of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on February 19, 2021. (Photo by Brandon MALONE / AFP) / -- IMAGE RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - STRICTLY NO COMMERCIAL USE -- (Photo by BRANDON MALONE/AFP via Getty Images)

Novak Djokovic’s world no.1 ranking is in serious danger right now

Djokovic might lose his World No.1 status if the upcoming Rome Masters (Italian Open) doesn’t play according to his favour.

And the man he will lose his World No.1 status to? None other than his Australian Open finals opponent Daniil Medvedev.

Medvedev is currently ranked number 3 in the world, but if he plays to his strengths and shines in the upcoming Madrid and Rome Masters, he might be on his way to becoming the world no. 1.

World No.5 Daniil Medvedev arrives for a match during the recently concluded Australian Open. (Getty Images)

The exact criteria for Medvedev to become no.1 are: Medvedev must either win in Rome or Madrid, if he wins just one, he must make it to the semi-finals at the other tournament.

And, at the same time, Nole shouldn’t make it to the finals of the Rome Masters.

On satisfying these criteria, Medvedev will become the first tennis player since Andy Roddick in 2004, to become the world no.1 outside the ‘Big Four’ (The forgotten Scotsman Andy Murray).

Novak Djokovic loses at his own turf

Coming off an early exit at the Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, against Dan Evans, Djokovic had the returning Serbian Open, next in line.

It was the first time since 2012 that the tournament was featured in an ATP calendar. And what’s more? It was hosted by Djokovic’s own brother Djordje.

After making a bright start to his Serbian Open campaign, steamrolling Kwon soon-woo in the Round of 16 and Miomir Kecmanovic in the Quarter-final, Djokovic took on world no. 27 Aslan Karatsev.

However, the Russian exacted revenge for his semi-final loss at the hands of Nole in the Australian Open, by beating him 7-5, 4-6, 6-4.

But Karatsev floundered at the hands of Matteo Berrettini in the final.d