Carlos Alcaraz is preparing for a Friday showdown with Novak Djokovic as Roland Garros moves toward its decisive stages. The match carries high stakes because the winner could solidify or shift the world number one ranking, depending on how the tournament unfolds for the Serbian and the Spaniard alike.
The 20-year-old talent from El Palmar, a rising figure in world tennis, has already surpassed the quarterfinals and defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas in Paris last season to reach the semifinals. That victory, produced with a 6-2, 6-1, and 7-6 triumph, is remembered as one of the best performances of his career, a peak he himself acknowledged after the match.
By defeating Russia’s Karen Khachanov in a comeback effort with scores of 4-6, 7-6, 6-2, and 6-4, Alcaraz extended his lead in the rankings. He moved ahead of Daniil Medvedev, who had fallen in the early rounds, leaving Alcaraz well positioned as the tournament progressed. The Spaniard now holds a substantial advantage in the points race, with strong momentum building as Belgrade and the rest of the circuit track the outcome.
Should Alcaraz prevail against Djokovic, his total could rise to 7,655, and if he lifts the trophy on Sunday, he would finish with a commanding 8,455 points. The numbers are being tracked by observers across the tour, yet both players focus their attention on the court in Paris as the weekend approaches.
Perspectives from the Balkans suggest Djokovic would need to win Roland Garros to reclaim the top spot, a result that would reach 7,595 points and tilt the balance in his favor only if Alcaraz does not advance to the final. If Djokovic reaches the final and loses, the No. 1 position could switch to Alcaraz, with Djokovic dropping to a secondary lead. The dynamic remains fluid, with several hypothetical point scenarios in circulation among analysts and fans alike.
On the other half of the draw, the quarterfinals of the French Open are set to unfold this Thursday. Norway’s Casper Ruud and Denmark’s Holger Rune will be on one side of the bracket, while Germany’s Alexander Zverev faces Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry on the other. The matchups promise drama as the field narrows toward the final stages of the tournament.