Novak Djokovic LOSES his status as world No. 1 just over a week before the French Open gets underway

Carlos Alcaraz has overtaken Novak Djokovic as the men’s world No. 1 ranked tennis player. 

The Serb – who holds the record for the most weeks as world No.1 with 386 in total across his career – loses the ranking in the build-up to the French Open getting underway in just over a week.

It comes after Alcaraz, 20, got off to a great start at the Italian Open, cruising to a 6-4 6-1 victory over fellow Spaniard Albert Ramos-Vinolas.

Meanwhile, Djokovic did win his first game after receiving a bye in the first round, but was largely unconvincing against world No. 61 Tomas Martin Etcheverry.

He was twice behind during the first set before eventually emerging victorious courtesy of a 7-6 (5) 6-2 win on Friday.

Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz, 20, has moved ahead of Djokovic to regain the position

However, Djokovic has struggled with injury over recent times and had to miss the recent Madrid Open as a result of elbow problems as he prepares for the start of Roland Garros on May 22. 

Djokovic is a two-time winner of the French Open in both 2016 and 2021, while he is also aiming for the seventh Italian Open title of his career.

But, after his second round victory, he was furious with the condition he was forced to play in. 

Djokovoic could be seen venting his unhappiness towards the umpire, claiming during the first set that the clay court was ‘an absolute disaster’.

‘Every bounce is different,’ he added. ‘It seems like there is too much clay. A half metre in, half metre out.’ 

Elsewhere, Alcaraz – who has previously spent 22 weeks as world No. 1  over the past year – was delighted with his win as the Spanish sensation continues his rapid rise to stardom after winning the US Open last year.

Djokovic has just returned to action at the Italian Open after struggling with an elbow problem

The Serb is preparing for the 2023 French Open – a Grand Slam he has won twice

Speaking after his victory over Ramos-Vinolas, he told the ATP’s official website: ‘The first round of every tournament is really tough and of course, Albert, especially on clay, is a really tough opponent.

‘I had to adapt my game really quickly to be able to get though. The conditions weren’t easy as well, the rain, the waiting all day. 

‘I didn’t know if I was going to play or not. But I’m really happy with my performance at the end.’

Djokovic will take on Grigor Dimitrov in the third round of the tournament, while Alcaraz will face either Jiri Lehecka or Fabian Marozsan.