The tournament returns to China for the first time since the Covid-19 ban, and with Djokovic electing to forego this stretch of the season as he recovers from his US Open victory, Alcaraz has an opportunity to make up ground in his bid to finish as world No. 1 for the second consecutive season.
“After Djokovic’s great performance in the American season, let’s say, we have a really beautiful battle for the No. 1 spot.” “He’s the No. 1 right now,” Alcaraz remarked.
“I’m coming to China with extra motivation to try to recover in the race, and, of course, in the rankings.” As I previously stated, it is something that I consider every time I train or compete.
“It is not mandatory for me to recover that, but you must put the goals in the year.” So being number one is one of my key aims.
“I’m hoping to do well in these great tournaments in order to be close to or recover that number.”
“Then, the following year, I hope to compete in all four Grand Slams.” I’m hoping not to miss any of them. I’ll attempt to continue doing what I’m doing this year.
“I’d be more than happy if I continued to win the tournaments that I’ve won so far this year.” That is my goal for the coming year. That is self-evident.
“Right now I’m really happy with the level I’m playing, with the result I received so far. The year is not over. There are a few tournaments ahead. So hopefully to end that year as good as it started.”
With 1,000 ranking points up for grabs in Shanghai and lots of points falling off Djokovic’s current total in the coming weeks, Alcaraz has a chance to cut into the Serbian’s 3,260 point advantage at the top of the rankings.
That margin will be reduced by Alcaraz’s progress in the China Open this week, and if he wins in Shanghai, he might be close to Djokovic heading into the Paris Masters later this month.
Alcaraz will make his debut in Shanghai against Nuno Borges or Gregoire Barrere, and he may play Karen Khachanov in the fourth round, as well as Taylor Fritz or Frances Tiafoe in the quarter-finals. Sixth seed Andrey Rublev and fourth seed Stefanos Tsitsipas are also in Alcaraz’s half.
Overall, this appears to be a favorable draw for Alcaraz, and he certainly has a more appealing path to the tournament’s later rounds than No. 2 seed Daniil Medvedev.
The Russian won this event the previous time it was held in 2019, and he has been dealt a nightmare draw that includes Jannik Sinner, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Alexander Zverev.
Andy Murray of the United Kingdom is also in the Shanghai Masters draw, and if he beats Roman Safiullin in the first round, he may face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the second round.
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