Top
Novak Djokovic Australian Open 2021

‘Change at top of ATP rankings is coming. It’s inevitable’, believes Novak Djokovic


Novak Djokovic said it is “inevitable” that change at the top of the men’s rankings is coming, but reiterated Grand Slams are his “biggest focus”.

The world No. 1 currently has 1,683 more ranking points than Daniil Medvedev – who edged back above Rafael Nadal into second spot this week.

The 33-year-old Serbian was speaking ahead of this week’s Italian Open in Rome – where he begins his campaign against Taylor Fritz today.

“There are guys like (Stefanos) Tsitsipas, (Alexander) Zverev, (Matteo) Berrettini, (Andrey) Rublev that are winning against all of us and playing a lot and building their ranking points,” Djokovic said in a pre-tournament interview.

“Medvedev as well, of course, and challenging for the top spots. Dominic Thiem has been there for many years.

“It’s inevitable that it’s going to happen. The change on the men’s rankings, top of the rankings is coming. Whether it’s going to happen in a month or a year or whatever, I don’t know.

“I’m not personally paying too much attention anymore to the rankings as much as I am to my game for the Grand Slams. Those are the biggest focus tournaments right now at this stage of my career.”

As well as Medvedev – Thiem, Tsitsipas, Zverev, Rublev and Berrettini all occupy spots in the top 10 of the ATP rankings.


Tim Farthing, Tennishead Editorial Director & Owner, has been a huge tennis fan his whole life. He's a tennis journalist and entrepreneur as well as playing tennis to a national standard. He also helps manage his local club and volunteers for his local tennis organisation. He's a specialist in content about the administration of professional tennis and tennis coaching for all levels.