Alcaraz Trying To Retain World No. 1, Chance For Top 10 Shakeup
Alcaraz Trying To Retain World No. 1, Chance For Top 10 Shakeup
The Miami Open presented by Itau quarter-finals begin Wednesday in Florida, where the Pepperstone ATP Rankings stakes are high for Carlos Alcaraz, Daniil Medvedev and more of the world’s biggest stars.
Alcaraz, who will play Taylor Fritz in the last eight, must win the title to retain World No. 1 next Monday. Anything less and Novak Djokovic will return to top spot.
The Spaniard returned to World No. 1 after winning the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells for the first time. The 19-year-old, who is the defending champion in Miami, is now three victories from completing the ‘Sunshine Double’.
Former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev also has an opportunity to climb by the end of the week. Currently No. 5 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings, he can pass Casper Ruud and move to World No. 4 if he lifts the trophy.
As recently as last month, Medvedev was World No. 12. But the 27-year-old has won 21 of his past 22 matches, a stretch during which he claimed crowns in Rotterdam, Doha and Dubai. He will face first-time ATP Masters 1000 quarter-finalist Christopher Eubanks for a spot in the last four.
Miami Quarter-finalists – Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings
| Player | Live Pts | Max Pts |
| 2) Carlos Alcaraz | 6,600 | 7,420 |
| 5) Daniil Medvedev | 4,330 | 4,510 |
| 9) Taylor Fritz | 3,065 | 3,885 |
| 10) Jannik Sinner | 2,925 | 3,745 |
| 14) Karen Khachanov | 2,675 | 2,855 |
| 33) Francisco Cerundolo | 1,140 | 1,960 |
| 37) Emil Ruusuvuori | 1,021 | 1,841 |
| 85) Christopher Eubanks | 667 | 1,487 |
The biggest opportunities for movement come slightly lower down the list. Fritz, Jannik Sinner and Karen Khachanov each have an opportunity to ascend to World No. 6 on Monday by winning the title.
Only 800 points separate No. 6 and No. 15 in the Pepperstone ATP Live Rankings. Khachanov is currently No. 14 on the list, but the former Rolex Paris Masters titlist can cut that number by more than half by winning his second Masters 1000 trophy.
Khachanov, who upset Stefanos Tsitsipas in the fourth round, will climb to World No. 11 if he defeats 2022 Miami semi-finalist Francisco Cerundolo in the next round. The Argentine Cerundolo, who has enjoyed his greatest success at Hard Rock Stadium, will crack the Top 20 for the first time if he claims the crown.