How long can Sinner remain number one? What changes after Zverev's KO

Rome, 8 March 2025 – Jannik Sinner is serving a suspension that will keep him out until Rome internationals, scheduled for next May 7th. Up to now, the Italian has maintained a considerable advantage over his pursuers, also thanks to the 2000 points confirmed with the victory of theAustralian Open in January. However, from today until his return to the field Jannik will surely lose the 1000 points of Miami (where last year he triumphed in the final against Dimitrov) but also another 600: the 400 of Monte Carlo (achieved by reaching the semi-finals, then lost against Tsitsipas) and the 200 in Madrid (where the athlete from Alto Adige ended his journey in the quarter-finals following a forfeit defeat against Auger aliases). The time to attack the rankings for the main pursuers, Zverev e alcaraz, that's it, but not everything is going as planned. The pressure of having to get closer to the top is playing against the German, who in the last few hours suffered a heavy defeat in the second round of Indian WellsThe world number 2, seeded number 1 in the American tournament, went out against the Dutch Tallon Greek Railway, losing a further 190 points to Jannik at the top of the ATP ranking. In 2024, in fact, Zverev reached the quarterfinals of the Masters 1000, and with yesterday's exit he was unable to defend the points he had made. In this way, the points gap between Sinner and the German becomes 3385. Also alcaraz he is not in an easy situation: to keep the distance unchanged with Sinner, the Spaniard is forced to win Indian Wells, as happened last year. Only in case of victory would the gap between the Italian and the Spaniard remain 3820 points, while if he were to leave the American tournament early he would move even further away from the top. And it would mathematically certify Jannik's confirmation at the top of the ranking until his return.

Zverev's exit could be a further incentive for Alcaraz, who will be busy this evening, not before 22pm, against the Frenchman Halys. As for the next tournaments, instead, Zverev will have to defend another 600 points: 400 won at Miami, 50 a Montecarlo, 50 a Monaco of Bavaria and 100 a Madrid. For alcaraz, instead, the points to be kept while waiting for Sinner's return are 400: 200 won by Miami and 200 a MadridThe month of April will be crucial to re-establish the ranking hierarchies, given that there will be two Masters 1000 (Montecarlo e Madrid) and two ATP 500 (Barcelona e Monaco), after which Sinner will be able to return to the court and prepare for the second Slam of the season, the Roland Garros, which will start next May 25th.