Carlos Alcaraz replaces Jannik Sinner as world No 1 in alternative tennis rankings

Carlos Alcaraz has reclaimed the world No. 1 position in the alternative UTR (Universal Tennis Rating) rankings, surpassing Jannik Sinner despite the Italian’s recent victory over him in the Six Kings Slam exhibition. Sinner claimed a record $6 million prize in Riyadh, but that match did not count toward the official ATP rankings.

The UTR ranking system, which evaluates recent performance and competition level, offers a more dynamic picture of player form compared to the traditional year-round ATP rankings. Alcaraz’s recent win at the China Open and his head-to-head dominance over Sinner contributed to his ascent to No. 1.

1. **What ranking system placed Carlos Alcaraz at No. 1, replacing Jannik Sinner?**
– The Universal Tennis Rating (UTR), which focuses on recent performance and match quality, ranked Alcaraz at No. 1, overtaking Sinner.

2. **Did Sinner’s victory at the Six Kings Slam count towards official ATP rankings?**
– No, the match at the Six Kings Slam was an exhibition event and did not impact official ATP rankings, but it did contribute to the UTR rankings.

3. **How has Carlos Alcaraz’s head-to-head record against Jannik Sinner affected the rankings?**
– Alcaraz has won three out of their key head-to-head battles in 2024, including a critical victory in the French Open semifinals, which helped him reclaim the No. 1 spot in the UTR rankings.

4. **What makes the UTR ranking system different from the ATP ranking system?**
– Unlike ATP rankings, which evaluate a player’s performance over an entire year, the UTR system focuses on recent matches and the quality of opponents, offering a more current snapshot of player form.

5. **Who is currently ranked No. 3 in the UTR rankings, and what is notable about him?**
– Novak Djokovic is ranked No. 3 in the UTR system, notable for endorsing the algorithm behind the UTR, which reflects the modern state of competitive tennis.