Despite winning the Indian Wells Masters last month, Carlos Alcaraz has yet to top the latest Universal Tennis rankings.
According to world number one Novak Djokovic, the UTR ranking method provides a more accurate way of evaluating the list of elite players, as it uses a detailed algorithm that differs from the traditional points system used by the ATP Tour.
The latest top ten list contains several interesting talking points, with Alcaraz’s No. 4 position being one of the most intriguing. In the meantime, Djokovic is at the top of the UTR rankings as he prepares to return to the court at the Monte Carlo Masters later this month.
Daniil Medvedev is currently in second place in the latest UTR rankings. He achieved this after winning three tournaments at the start of 2023 and recently adding the Miami Open title to his collection earlier this month.
Jannik Sinner, who performed brilliantly in his victory over Alcaraz at the Miami Open, is now third in the UTR rankings.
Alcaraz, who is one place ahead of Nick Kyrgios, will be back on the circuit after missing out due to injury.
Rafael Nadal, who has enjoyed a remarkable 18-year career among the sport’s elite, has lost his place in the top ten of the ATP rankings. However, he still occupies a place in the top ten of the UTR list at number 9.
Tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou gives his verdict on the UTR classification debate
While Djokovic’s fans have been quick to opine that the Serb rightly deserves to be at the top, Djokovic acknowledges that challenges to his dominance at the top of the game are coming from many directions.
Respected tennis coach Patrick Mouratoglou, however, gave his opinion on the matter, stating that there is no doubt about who should be hailed as world number one and insisted that Djokovic is still the man to beat.
Mouratoglou, who is currently coaching top ten player Holger Rune, said: “The best player in the world is world number one, and that’s Novak Djokovic. If Alcaraz is number one tomorrow, we can say it’s Alcaraz. I think Carlos again is an incredible player and I have no doubt that he will be number one for years to come.”