“Whether Jannik plays or not, we try to do well in every tournament because first place is a goal,” said Carlos Alcaraz after his rival Jannik Sinner was handed a 3-month ban by WADA last month. In Sinner’s absence, Alcaraz has the chance to aim for the top spot, but it won’t be easy because the Italian has a comfortable lead with 11330 points, while Alcaraz lags with 7510 points. The Spaniard can, however, close the gap as he prepares to defend his title at Indian Wells. But hey, put the rankings aside for a bit. Alcaraz just nabbed an award nomination that Sinner lost just days ago.

Carlos Alcaraz has been nominated for the Laureus Awards after Jannik Sinner’s name was removed from the list. The Laureus Awards are among the most prestigious accolades in sports, and this year is even more special as it will mark 25 years of the award’s legacy in a star-studded ceremony on April 21st in Madrid.

Alcaraz has been nominated for the Sportsman of the Year award owing to his incredible 2024 season. The Spaniard clinched the French Open title and successfully defended his Wimbledon title as well. The 21-year-old also won a silver medal at the Paris Olympics, adding to his already extensive prize collection. Along with Alcaraz, pole-vaulter Armand Duplantis, French swimmer Leon Marchand, cyclist Tadej Pogacar, and F1 racer Max Verstappen have also been nominated.

This is not the first time Alcaraz has been in the running for a Laureus Award. In 2023, he won the Laureus Breakthrough Of The Year Award. His arch-rival Jannik Sinner was also in contention this year, however, his name was taken out due to his doping ban.

But apart from the doping controversy, Sinner had a dream 2024 season. He claimed the two hardcourt majors – the Australian Open and the US Open- before powering his country to the Davis Cup title and capping his dominant run with an ATP Finals win. Despite his suspension, the 23-year-old still reigns as the top-ranked ATP player and might stay there for quite some time.

While Jannik Sinner will miss the Sunshine Doubles and be back for the Italian Open, Carlos Alcaraz is gearing up to defend his title at the Indian Wells. Let’s find out who he will have to face this time around!

Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz on collision course at Indian Wells

Indian Wells is often dubbed as the ‘fifth Slam’ of tennis, and Carlos Alcaraz has pulled his socks up to emerge victorious there for the third time. With Jannik Sinner missing the WTA 1000 event, Alcaraz will be the favorite to win.

The Spaniard will begin his campaign with a first-round bye before facing either Quentin Halys or a qualifier in the second round. R3 might see him square off against Dennis Shapovalov, a beatable opponent. The 21-year-old could meet Grigor Dimitrov or Sebastian Korda in the fourth round. And if he makes it past that, he will meet his 37-year-old rival Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal.

If it indeed happens, it will be a rematch of their Australian Open quarterfinal, where Djokovic prevailed in four sets despite his hamstring injury. The Serbian is, however, coming off a first-round exit at the Qatar Open, a first for him in seven years. Alcaraz can capitalize on that and make a run for the title.

If he wins again, Alcaraz will join an elite list of winners of the Indian Wells three consecutive times. It’s a club that includes greats like Roger Federer (2004-2006) and Novak Djokovic (2014-2016). Can the 21-year-old take advantage of Jannik Sinner’s absence and establish his name among the elites? What do you think?