Jannik Sinner Set to Retain World No. 1 Ranking Amid Indian Wells Shake-Up
Italy’s Jannik Sinner emerges as the biggest beneficiary of the ongoing Indian Wells Masters, despite not participating in the tournament. The ATP 1000 event has reached its final stage, with Holger Rune set to face Jack Draper in the championship match.
This outcome is a major advantage for Sinner, who is currently serving a three-month suspension following two failed doping tests in March of last year. The reigning world No. 1 is expected to return to competition in May, just in time for the Rome Masters.
His absence provided a golden opportunity for his closest rivals, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz, to narrow the points gap and challenge for the top spot. However, neither player capitalized. Zverev suffered a shocking second-round exit to Tallon Griekspoor (4-6, 7-6, 7-6), while Alcaraz fell in the semifinals to Draper (6-1, 0-6, 6-4).
As a result, Sinner’s position at No. 1 remains secure. Zverev’s recent struggles have seen him drop 650 points, leaving him with an uphill battle—he would need to secure more than 2,400 points out of a possible 3,500 before the Rome Masters to challenge for the top spot. Meanwhile, Alcaraz faces an even tougher task, requiring 3,220 points from the next four tournaments, which would mean winning three of them and reaching the final in the fourth—a highly unlikely scenario.
With these developments, it is almost certain that Sinner will return to the tour still holding the world No. 1 ranking, making his comeback even more anticipated.
