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Novak Djokovic Daniil Medvedev US Open 2021

How Daniil Medvedev can reclaim World number one position from Novak Djokovic this week


Having lost the top spot at last week’s Indian Wells Masters, Daniil Medvedev can retake the World number one position from Novak Djokovic by reaching the semi-finals of this week’s Miami Open.

Last month, US Open champion Medvedev knocked 20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic off of his perch atop the ATP rankings, a title the Serbian has held for a record total of 362 weeks.

Medvedev achieved the feat by reaching the semi-finals of the Mexican Open, whilst Djokovic suffered a shock defeat to Czechian qualifier Jiri Vesely in the quarter-finals of the Dubai Tennis Championships.

As such, Medvedev became the first player outside of the ‘Big Four’ of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andy Murray and Djokovic to achieve reach the position since Andy Roddick in 2004, 18 years ago.

However, Medvedev failed to consolidate his position and lost his new-found title at last week’s Indian Wells Masters when he was defeated by French veteran Gael Monfils in the round of 32.

Djokovic, who has 8,465 points, currently sits a narrow 55 points ahead of Medvedev, who has 8,410.

Although on April 4th both will drop the points earned at previous Florida events. Djokovic will drop his 2019 Miami points, 45, whilst Medvedev will drop last year’s points, 180. Thus giving the Serbian a virtual 190-point lead.

The Russian number one can reclaim the position at this week’s Miami Open though as Djokovic was not allowed to enter the United States unvaccinated to compete in the ‘Sunshine Double.’

Medvedev needs to reach the semi-finals of the Miami Open in order to retake the position.

Reaching this stage will be no easy feat however, with the Russian likely having to overcome three-time Slam ace Andy Murray in the second round before then likely facing one of World number ten and defending champion Hubert Hurkacz or World number 12 Denis Shapovalov.

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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.