How Alcaraz turned the tide on Sinner in battle for World No. 2

Peter Staples/ATP Tour

Carlos Alcaraz has flipped the script in his battle for No. 2 in the PIF ATP Rankings with Jannik Sinner.

Entering the BNP Paribas Open semi-final between the two superstars, Sinner was in prime position to surge past the Spaniard and to a career high on Monday. The Italian was 16-0 in 2024 and in full flight.

Sitting No. 2 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings, Sinner was ahead of Alcaraz. But the 20-year-old Spaniard changed the dynamics of their battle by rallying from a set down to surge into the Indian Wells final and, ultimately, lift the trophy.

Your undefeated king of the desert 👑🏜️

Carlos takes the crown for the second year in a row 🏆@BNPPARIBASOPEN | #TennisParadise pic.twitter.com/bwpfDlCXSh

— ATP Tour (@atptour) March 17, 2024

PIF ATP Live Rankings (after Indian Wells)

Had Sinner won their semi-final, he would have led Alcaraz by at least 355 points entering Miami. With a title in the desert, the 22-year-old would have taken a 705-point advantage. Instead, Alcaraz will arrive in Florida with a 495-point cushion over his rival. That is a 1,200-point swing over the course of a day.

With 360 points to defend in Miami compared to 600 for Sinner, Alcaraz will be in good position to extend his lead. 

Watch Indian Wells final highlights:

The quick shift in the battle for No. 2 could also lead to a three-way battle during the clay-court season for World No. 1 between Novak Djokovic, Alcaraz and Sinner, who on Monday will be within 1,415 points of each other. Djokovic is currently 920 points ahead of Alcaraz, who can add 640 points to his tally by completing the Sunshine Double in Miami.

Come the clay-court season, Djokovic will defend 2,315 points and Alcaraz 2,265 points. Sinner, however, will only defend 585 points on clay, which will give the Italian an opportunity to make up ground.

A lot has changed over the past 24 hours in the battle atop the PIF ATP Rankings. Fans should buckle up, as that clash will only heat up in the coming months.