Novak Djokovic has already spent a record-breaking 428 weeks as the world No. 1 in the ATP Rankings, and he could potentially gain another week at the top following Jannik Sinner’s positive drug tests.
The tennis community was shocked when the International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) revealed that Sinner tested positive for a banned substance during the Indian Wells Open in March. Sinner’s positive test was linked to an over-the-counter spray containing clostebol, which was administered by his physiotherapist, Giacomo Naldi. After failing his first test on March 10, a second sample eight days later also tested positive. Despite being provisionally suspended after each positive result, Sinner successfully appealed both times, allowing him to continue competing.
Ultimately, Sinner was cleared of any intentional wrongdoing, with the ITIA accepting his explanation that Naldi was unaware the product contained clostebol. However, the ITIA’s statement indicated that Sinner’s results, prize money, and ranking points from the ATP Masters 1000 event at Indian Wells—where the positive test occurred—would be disqualified.
Sinner had earned 400 points for reaching the semi-finals at Indian Wells, and those points were deducted from his ATP Ranking on Tuesday, August 20. Typically, points are subtracted retroactively, meaning Sinner could lose those points in March, which would affect the ATP Rankings.
Sinner initially climbed to No. 2 in the rankings—surpassing Carlos Alcaraz and sitting just below Djokovic—after securing 400 points at Indian Wells. If those points are deducted retroactively, he would fall below Alcaraz and remain there until mid-April.
Sinner later reached No. 1 in the ATP Rankings for the first time after the French Open, maintaining a substantial lead over Alcaraz even with a retroactive points deduction. However, the key moment regarding the No. 1 ranking occurred during the week of August 12, when Sinner lost 800 points after failing to defend his Canadian Open title.
Had the retroactive points deduction been applied, Sinner would have had 8,370 points instead of 8,770, allowing Djokovic—who had 8,460 points last week—to reclaim the No. 1 spot. Instead, the ATP only reduced Sinner’s tally by 400 points following his Cincinnati Open title, placing him at 9,360 points, while Djokovic remains at 7,460 points after skipping the ATP Masters 1000 event.
Tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that he had inquired with the ATP about the situation, noting, “If Sinner’s 400 points from IW are retroactively subtracted, which would make sense, then Djokovic would’ve been No. 1 for one additional week (last week).”
The ATP has yet to respond, but if they adjust the rankings retroactively, Djokovic could be credited with an additional week at No. 1, extending his record to 429 weeks.
