How Daniil Medvedev Can Claim World No. 1 From Novak Djokovic | ATP Tour


Daniil Medvedev controls his fate in the battle for the No. 1 ATP Ranking with Novak Djokovic.

If the Russian wins the Abierto Mexicano Telcel presentado por HSBC, on 28 February he will become the 27th player to reach the top spot. Djokovic, who at that point will have reigned for a record 361 weeks, cannot do anything to stop Medvedev should the Russian lift the trophy.

The Serbian is also competing the week of 21 February in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships. There are other scenarios in which Medvedev can reach No. 1 following Acapulco without winning the title. But if he does not triumph, Djokovic could maintain his place atop tennis’ mountain as he chases a sixth Dubai title.

Djokovic is guaranteed to hold World No. 1 for at least 86 consecutive weeks during his current stint. His longest stay atop the standings lasted 122 weeks, from 7 July 2014 through 6 November 2016.

If Medvedev becomes World No. 1, he would be the third Russian man to accomplish the feat, joining Yevgeny Kafelnikov (1999) and Marat Safin (2000-01). He would also join Andy Murray as the only first-time World No. 1s since Djokovic first reached top spot in July 2011.

The last player outside the Big Four of Djokovic, Roger Federer, Murray and Rafael Nadal who has held No. 1 was Andy Roddick on 1 February 2004. 

Here are all the scenarios in which Medvedev would climb to World No. 1 on 28 February:

  • Medvedev wins the Acapulco title, regardless of Djokovic’s results in Dubai
  • Medvedev reaches the Acapulco final and Djokovic does not win the Dubai title
  • Medvedev reaches the Acapulco semi-finals and Djokovic does not reach the Dubai final
  • Medvedev reaches the Acapulco quarter-finals and Djokovic does not reach the Dubai semi-finals
  • Medvedev reaches the second round in Acapulco and Djokovic does not reach the Dubai semi-finals
  • Medvedev loses in the first round in Acapulco and Djokovic does not reach the Dubai quarter-finals
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