Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz experience a reversal in fortunes in Monte Carlo
2024 has already been bumpy for both Grand Slam champions dealing with injuries
Who says that men's tennis is not dramatic? With Rafael Nadal continuing to struggle through his physical issues to have one last stand at Roland Garros, two of the new presumed Big 3 experience their issues. Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz have reversed their fortunes in a day, and the way he is playing, Jannik Sinner continues to be the man they will chase for the rest of the year.
Novak Djokovic made his highly anticipated return to competitive tennis in Monte Carlo. He has not played since March 11 when he lost in the Round of 32 at Indian Wells. Since then, Djokovic took time off and renewed his focus on the Grand Slams and the Olympics in 2024.
Djokovic played his best match in months and won in straight sets against Roman Safiullin. He looked like he was ready for Roland Garros to start next week instead of next month.
As Djokovic made his successful return, Carlos Alcaraz announced his withdrawal from Monte Carlo
For days, there has been speculation about Carlos Alcaraz's health. A forearm injury was perceived to be an issue, but no one knew exactly how serious it was. We now know that it is serious enough to force him out of the Monte Carlo Masters for the second straight year.
Alcaraz made the announcement on Tuesday. With the clay court season in full swing, and Barcelona and Madrid coming up later in the month, it does call into question if he will be able to defend his points from winning both of those tournaments in 2023.
This brings us to Jannik Sinner who seemingly is in the best position. He won the Australian Open and the Miami Open and has already taken over the World No. 2 spot from Alcaraz. Many predict he could be the World No. 1 before the end of the year, but could it be as soon as the summer?
There is a lot of tennis to be played, and Sinner needs to stay healthy and transfer that hardcourt dominance to the clay. What tennis fans want is a battle between this Big 3 when all are healthy and at the top of their game. It remains to be seen if we will get that.
Read more on Lob and Smash
manual