Carlos Alcaraz loss sparks huge Novak Djokovic twist in race for year-end World No.1
The 20-year-old Spaniard has endured a tough run after the US Open.
Carlos Alcaraz has been left disheartened after a shock loss to Grigor Dimitrov in the Shanghai Masters, which has left him reeling in his chase for Novak Djokovic's World No.1 status. Alcaraz has enjoyed his best tennis season having won his maiden Wimbledon title.
Having held the World No.1 ranking on numerous occasions this year, the 20-year-old Spaniard was keen to chase down Djokovic and retain the year-end title. However, his chances have taken a huge blow having lost in a three-set battle in the round of 16 against Dimitrov.
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Alcaraz got off to a fast-start against the Bulgarian as he took the first set in a close battle. Although the match turned quickly with Dimitrov earning his first win on tour against the Spaniard.
Dimitrov's victory sees him reach his first Masters quarter-final in 2023. The 32-year-old embraced Alcaraz at the net as the two shared some kind words.
He was thrilled after his biggest win since Indian Wells 2021 and reminded the fans he still had plenty to give. "I never left," a smiling Dimitrov said in his post-match interview.
"15 years already, so I'm still here. I'm not going anywhere." Dimitrov will fancy his chances of a Shanghai title with only one top 10 player left in the draw.
For Alcaraz, the loss was a big blow to his chances of overtaking Djokovic in 2023. The Serbian is not playing in Shanghai as he takes a rest having won the US Open.
Alcaraz had the opportunity to gain ranking points on Djokovic at the China Open and in Shanghai. But the Spaniard lost to Jannik Sinner in the quarter-final in China and now Dimitrov a stage earlier. Alcaraz was candid when asked about his chances of finishing year-end No.1 “After this loss, it's going to be tougher.
"If I want to be No. 1, I have a few tournaments ahead so I will try to do my best. I will try to win them if I want to have a chance to end the year as No. 1. I don't know, but right now I have a lost a lot of opportunities to make it."
With Alcaraz only set to take part in the Basel Open, it appears Djokovic will win his eighth year-end World No.1 title. Alcaraz will have to better Djokovic in both Paris and Turin for any chance.
VINTAGE!
Former top 3 Grigor Dimitrov plays one of his best matches in recent years, beats top seed Carlos Alcaraz 5-7, 6-2, 6-4 to reach the QFs in Shanghai.
With just one top 10 left in this draw, he surely can dream about a big title after all these years. pic.twitter.com/hONbTJtdI3— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 11, 2023
With Alcaraz losing to Dimitrov in the Shanghai Masters R4 and considering both players’ schedules
It’s now sure Djokovic won’t be surpassed in the ATP Race before the Paris Masters, when he will be back to play his last events of the season
An 8th year-end #1 is on his racket pic.twitter.com/9QcfmDGIQD— Mario Boccardi (@marioboc17) October 11, 2023
Not the best first chinese trip for Alcaraz, who repeatedly said that finishing the year #1 is a big goal, but couldn’t really make much of a difference in events where Djokovic isn’t playing.
Will need to do better than Nole in Paris/Turin to have a chance. Should be fun.— José Morgado (@josemorgado) October 11, 2023
Grigor Dimitrov continues tennis renaissance
Dimitrov has enjoyed a strong 2023 and admitted the match was a game of 'cat and mouse' having hit 29 winners and 10 aces. "I stayed in the match, that was the first thing, especially after the first set," World No.19 Dimitrov said.
"After the second break in the second set I think I understood his service games and was able to put more balls in and read his serve a bit better. "In the third set it was a bit of cat-and-mouse. I think we both played a solid set. He made a few errors and I was very solid and served well when I had to."
Dimitrov will now face Nicolas Jarry in the quarter-final. Alcaraz has already qualified for the Race to Turin with Aussie Alex de Minaur sitting in 12th place in a bid to reach the year-end tournament.
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