How Can Daniil Medvedev Dethrone Novak Djokovic From World No.1 Spot at French Open 2021?

World No.2 Daniil Medvedev is again in the proximity of surpassing World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the ATP rankings at the French Open 2021.

Djokovic currently sits at the top spot with 11063 points. However, he is playing in Belgrade and hence will add points before French Open. Medvedev is behind him with 9793 points. Before Roland Garros, the Serbian’s lead from Medvedev can wary between 1315 to 1520 points.

In 2020, Djokovic won 1200 points whereas Medvedev won 10 points, which means that the Russian has a lot of points to win in 2021.

Novak Djokovic’s points prior to French Open 2021

At the time of this article’s publishing, Djokovic has reached the quarterfinals in ATP Belgrade and hence will add 45 points to his tally, which will become 11108. If he wins ATP Belgrade, then he will reach 11313 points.

The new directive of ATP allows players to keep 50 percent of 2020 points, or 100 percent of 2021 points, whichever is greater will be considered. Hence, if Djokovic is ousted before the semifinals, he will keep 50 percent of 1200 points earned in 2020.

The lowest points total that Djokovic can reach is 10513. To surpass that, Medvedev would then have to at least reach the final. If Medvedev reaches the final, he gain 1190 points, which will elevate his point total to 10983. That will be enough if Djokovic is ousted in the French Open 2021 semifinal as well.

Novak Djokovic – Daniil Medvedev final in Paris for the World No.1 ranking

However, if Djokovic reaches the final, then he will retain the points total that he had before Roland Garros. Medvedev still has a chance to surpass that if he wins the Grand Slam. The Russian will add 1990 points to take his point total to 11783. This total will be well clear even if Djokovic wins in Belgrade as well.

Djokovic and Medvedev are the top two seeds at French Open. Hence, they are at the opposite ends of the draw and could face each other in the final. If they do face each other in the final, it will not only be the fight for the French Open but also the fight for the World No.1 spot that will go to the winner.

Read more: “He’s a Little Bit More Viable”: Legend Backs Novak Djokovic to Top Rafael Nadal in Grand Slam Race