Remember when Carlos Alcaraz, at just 19, became the youngest ever to reach the top of the ATP rankings back in September 2022? He enjoyed a good run, but his reign came to an end last year when his rival, Jannik Sinner, took over the No. 1 spot after winning the Halle Open in June 2024. Sinner, a three-time Slam champion, has been dominating ever since. But with Sinner now facing a three-month suspension due to a doping controversy, Alcaraz has a golden opportunity to reclaim his crown. The question is, with his nemesis out of the picture, is Alcaraz eyeing a comeback to the top?

Alcaraz had a tough start to his 2025 season last month. Despite showing signs of a potential winner, he failed to make a deep run at the Australian Open in Melbourne. In the QF round, he had a lead in first set over 24-time major king Novak Djokovic. However, the latter managed to come back and eventually ousted the Spaniard in an intense encounter. However, Alcaraz didn’t take long to get on the winning streak.

At the ATP Rotterdam, last week, he seemed indomitable. So much so, that the World No.3 went on to clinch his first indoor hard court title at the event. In the final battle, he beat Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-2. He is currently riding on a 5-match winning streak. His next destination is the Qatar Open in Doha.

Ahead of his campaign, he spoke to Spanish outlet Sport.es where he also shared thoughts on having no Sinner across tours for three months. Let’s gear back for context.

On Saturday, the Italian received a 90-day ban from WADA in the doping case. Initially, he was set to appear at the CAS for a hearing in April. But the anti-doping agency opted for a settlement, compelling Sinner to accept a 3-month suspension. As a result, he will miss out on multiple ATP tournaments. Carlitos was asked, “Jannik Sinner will not be there. What do you think of the agreement regarding his suspension?”

Unlike any serious remarks from Andy Roddick, Nick Kyrgios and others, he said, “The truth is that there is little to say. Whether it (Sinner) is there or not does not influence us. We remain focused on what is ours and our objectives.”

When asked if he sees this as an opportunity opening up, Alcaraz said, “Number one is always a goal. As I say, not being there doesn’t change anything for us. We try to improve in our field and focus on continuing to work to reach number one.”

Seems like Alcaraz’s entire focus is on himself and his next event. But what about his arch rival? Well, his focus will be to continue his Slam quest this season after the return. Simply because the ban won’t affect his chances at all!

Jannik Sinner’s Grand Slam journey to face no hurdle despite the 90-day ban

While he won’t be seen in professional events between February 9 and May 4, Jannik Sinner will look to make the most of his comeback after three months. Before that, he will have to miss out on events such as the Qatar Open, BNP Paribas Open, Miami Open, Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters, and Madrid Open.

Plus, he will lose a total of 1,600 ranking points as well. They include points from his participation at the Indian Wells Masters, 1000 points from his Miami win last season, 400 from the Monte-Carlo semifinal campaign, and 200 from his Madrid quarterfinal run. However, his overall points might still be enough for him to stay at the No.1 spot upon his return, provided Alexander Zverev and Alcaraz don’t use the opportunity to its fullest.

Starting May 7th, he can then step on the court with an appearance in the home event, the Italian Open. Later that month, he will be able to participate in this season’s second major, the French Open. Moreover, per WADA’s statement, the 2025 Australian Open will be free to resume official training from April 13.