Stefanos Tsitsipas to Reach New Career-High Ranking, Could Possibly Surpass Rafael Nadal at French Open 2021

Published 06/12/2021, 9:11 AM EDT

Stefanos Tsitsipas reached his first-ever Grand Slam final by defeating Alexander Zverev in the semifinal of the French Open 2021. With this, he moves ahead to a new career-high ranking of fourth and now threatens Rafael Nadal’s World No.3 ranking if he wins the French Open 2021.

Before French Open 2021, Tsitsipas had 7500 points and was ranked fifth. The new directive of ATP states that either a player can keep 50 percent of his 2020 points to 100 percent of his 2021 points, whichever is greater. Hence, Tsitsipas was defending half of his semifinal points earned in 2020.

Article continues below this ad

So if Tsitsipas hadn’t reached the semifinal of Roland Garros 2021, he would have lost 360 points. But as he has now reached the final, he will take the 2021 points as it is larger. He already had 720 points from 2020 and now will add 480 to that number to earn a full 1200, if he loses the final. That will take his total to 7980 and he will go above Dominic Thiem to become the new World No.4.

Thiem had 1200 points from his final appearance in 2019. Since he was ousted in the first round in 2021, he will keep 50 percent of his 2020 points. Hence, the Austrian is keeping 180 points and losing 1020 points. That brings his total down to 7425 points.

Article continues below this ad

How can Stefanos Tsitsipas surpass Rafael Nadal?

There are bigger gains for Tsitsipas. Defending French Open champ Rafael Nadal was ousted by World No.1 Novak Djokovic in the semifinal. Hence, Nadal will keep 50 percent of his 2000 points from 2020. That brings his points total down to 8630, and that is surpassable by Tsitsipas. If Tsitsipas beats Djokovic in the final, he will add 800 points more to the earlier 7980 points. That will take his points to 8780, which will be higher than Rafa’s.

Article continues below this ad

Tsitsipas is now attaining the right ranking that justifies his form. Thiem’s abysmal 2021, hasn’t plagued his ranking a lot. But now, Tsitsipas finally got past the Austrian. Tsitsipas’ clay court season has been impressive with three finals and one win in Monte Carlo.

How Can Stefanos Tsitsipas Overcome the Novak Djokovic Hurdle in French Open 2021 Final?

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Bhavishya Mittal is a tennis author for EssentiallySports, who is currently pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Journalism from Manipal University. A former sports editor for The Manipal Journal, Bhavishya has also worked for The New Indian Express. He has a keen eye for many sports but he is a particularly ardent follower of tennis, with a zest to create riveting articles on the ever-evolving sport.

Stefanos Tsitsipas to Reach New Career-High Ranking, Could Possibly Surpass Rafael Nadal at French Open 2021

How can Stefanos Tsitsipas surpass Rafael Nadal?

Trending

‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff

Mutua Madrid Open: Heart-Broken Taylor Townsend Makes Shattering Admission About Missing Son’s Martial Arts Performance

Serena Williams’ Husband Alexis Ohanian Gushes Over Her ‘Little Pink’ Attire as Part of Nike’s Latest Endeavor

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka’s Fashion ‘Upgrade’ Stumps Tennis World As They React to Her Outing With Rumored Boyfriend

Madrid Open: Aryna Sabalenka Sparks Fresh Controversy with Her Bizarre Preference for Men’s Tennis over the WTA Tour