Novak Djokovic to lose world ranking podium spot – Sports News
Novak Djokovic has pulled out of the Miami Open (Image: Getty Images)
All-time singles Grand Slam report holder, Novak Djokovic, is set to drop outdoors of the highest three within the ATP world rankings after pulling out of the Miami Open due to a shoulder damage.
The 38-year-old completed runner-up to Czech Jakub Mensik finally yr’s Miami Open and was wanting to construct momentum at Indian Wells earlier than heading to the Sunshine State. However, Djokovic was overwhelmed in a three-set thriller by Brit Jack Draper within the Round of 16 in California, earlier than promptly withdrawing from the Miami Open as he nurses a shoulder damage.
The 24-time Grand Slam champion has made it no secret in recent times that he’ll fastidiously handle his physique forward of Grand Slams so as to compete with runaway top-twos, Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz.
Djokovic was the final man outdoors of the pair to win a Grand Slam, the 2023 US Open. The Serb had a shot at ending that drought in Melbourne at first of 2026, however he was overwhelmed by Alcaraz, who lastly bought his palms on the Australian Open title, the one Slam that had alluded him.
Djokovic’s withdrawal from the Miami Open can even see him drop out of the No. 3 spot within the ATP rankings. He will lose the 650 ranking factors he earned for being runner-up 12 months in the past in Miami and is set to drop outdoors the highest three, with Alexander Zverev solely 350 factors behind.
After shedding to Alcaraz within the semis at Flushing Meadows final yr, Djokovic admitted he is “worried” about his bodily situation. “I mean, I’m happy with my level of tennis, but you know, it’s just the physicality of it, you know,” Djokovic mentioned.
Draper defeated Djokovic at Indian Wells (Image: Getty Images)
“As I said after the quarterfinals, the press conference when I spoke to you guys, I said, you know, I’m going to do my very best to get my body in shape to sustain that level and that rhythm for as many hours as it’s needed, but, you know, it wasn’t enough.
“That’s one thing I, sadly, at this level in time in my profession, cannot control. I can do solely as a lot as I can do.
“Yeah, it will be very difficult for me in the future to overcome the hurdle of Sinner, Alcaraz, in the best-of-five on the Grand Slams. I think I have a better chance best-of-three, but best-of-five, it’s tough.”
At the time, Djokovic knew he would have to play one, or both, of Sinner and Alcaraz Down Under to win a 25th Slam. In the end, he beat Sinner in the semis before falling to Alcaraz in the final.
He hinted that he may skip some ATP tournaments to prioritize Slams. “I have to address that with my team, but that’s a sentiment definitely after the Grand Slam season this year that, you know — not to say that I will skip Grand Slams,” he mentioned.
“I nonetheless need to play Grand Slams, Grand Slam season, full Grand Slam season subsequent yr. Let’s see whether or not that is going to occur or not, however you realize, as a result of slams are slams.
“They are simply completely different from every other event. They are the pillars of our sport, essentially the most important tournaments we now have.”
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