The updated ATP ranking list saw no changes in the top-35 positions, with the Davis Cup taking place last week instead of the ATP tournaments. Novak Djokovic is spending the 281st week on the ATP throne, moving closer to Pete Sampras (286) and Roger Federer (310) and looking to stay in front for a couple of more weeks as well after the organizers had to cancel the first Masters 1000 event of the season in Indian Wells.
Instead of chasing 1000 points, the best players of the world can only hope to hit the court again in Miami, although there’s a massive question mark ahead of the second Masters 1000 tournament in Florida, with the authorities taking safety measures due to coronavirus, in the USA and all over the world.
Rafael Nadal, Dominic Thiem, Roger Federer and Daniil Medvedev have all remained in the top-5, with the first change coming in the 38th position that saw Monterrey champion Adrian Mannarino passing three rivals. Indian Wells Challenger winner Steve Johnson grabbed 125 points to move ahead of 12 opponents, with the organizers of the next week’s Phoenix Challenger keeping the wild cards for some potentially big names if Miami Masters experiences the same fate as Indian Wells.
“There is too great a risk, at this time, to the public health of the Riverside County area in holding a large gathering of this size,” said Dr. David Agus, Professor of Medicine and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Southern California.
“It is not in the public interest of fans, players and neighboring areas for this tournament to proceed. We all have to join together to protect the community from the coronavirus outbreak.” “We appreciate the proactive stance tournament organizers are taking to ensure public health and safety,” said Martin Massiello, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Eisenhower Health.
“We are very disappointed that the tournament will not take place, but the health and safety of the local community, fans, players, volunteers, sponsors, employees, vendors, and everyone involved with the event is of paramount importance,” said Tournament Director Tommy Haas.
“We are prepared to hold the tournament on another date and will explore options.” ATP Ranking.
Novak Djokovic Names the Women Who Inspire Him the Most
It is the 8th of March and that means the world celebrates International Women’s Day today. The tennis world is one of the few sports in the world which appreciates women equally. However, it still nice to have a special day earmarked just for them. Among many of the men’s tennis players, Novak Djokovic opened up on the women who inspire him the most.
Novak Djokovic on the women who inspire him
Novak Djokovic stands out in the sport as one of the most successful men ever. He will be the first one to tell you what a vital part women have played in his success, not just in tennis, but life in general. On the International Women’s Day, Novak highlighted three women, in particular, who have been his greatest support.
“That would be my mother, but also my wife, and my tennis mother who is not with us anymore. Jelena Gencic was truly someone who dedicated so much time and effort into developing me as a tennis player. She put all the essential ingredients into me when I was very young.”
Jelena Gencic was a famous tennis coach who excelled at developing young tennis players into future champions. Novak Djokovic, of course, remains her biggest success, but there are other superstars of the sport that Gencic helped in their early days.
Jelena discovered Novak in the mountain resort of Kopaonik in the 90s. She promptly informed his parents that they had a “golden child.” The 17-time Grand Slam winner credits Gencic for her belief and advice even to this day.
Monica Seles and Goran Ivanisevic also feature in that list.
Djokovic further elaborated on his wife and how she inspires him.
“My wife, who is the mother of our two children, does a wonderful job being a dedicated mother, an incredibly passionate philanthropist, and the best wife that I can possibly have.”
Nole’s wife, Jelena, is very vehement about charitable work. The Novak Djokovic Foundation works tirelessly to ensure that children across the globe are not left wanting in their early developing years. Jelena heads the foundation, serving as the CEO.
Djokovic, no doubt, draws a ton of inspiration from these women. They have certainly played their part in making him a huge success. Whether it is Women’s Day or not, he is always the first one to express his gratitude towards them.
