Djokovic’s big opportunity to change battle for World No. 1 in Rome 

Novak Djokovic is chasing his seventh title at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, but there is another prize at stake for the Serbian. If the 36-year-old claims the Rome trophy, he will be No. 1 in the PIF ATP Live Rankings when Roland Garros begins.

Entering the third round in Rome, the 36-year-old has a 1,090-point advantage over Jannik Sinner in the PIF ATP Live Rankings. That might seem like a sizable lead, but it is not. To remain the live No. 1 at the start of the clay-court major, he must win the Rome title. 

Djokovic will defend his Roland Garros title at the end of the clay-court season, and will therefore defend 2,000 points. Sinner, however, only reached the second round in Paris one year ago (45 points).  

Factoring in the points dropping at Roland Garros, they would be neck and neck if Djokovic wins the Rome title, with the Serbian slightly ahead. If the clay-court major began tomorrow and he did not have the opportunity to gain more points at the Foro Italico, he would be 865 points behind.

Djokovic could earn an additional 950 points between now and the end of the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, making every match critical in the battle for World No. 1. Sinner is not competing in Rome due to injury and can not gain on his rival. 

There is nothing Djokovic can do in Rome that will prevent No. 1 from coming up for grabs at Roland Garros. However, he can be in much better position by performing well in Italy.

If Djokovic loses his third-round match at the Foro Italico Sunday, he will begin the clay Slam needing to reach the final to have a chance of retaining World No. 1.

Djokovic will be fully focused on one match at a time in Rome, with 29th seed Alejandro Tabilo next up on Sunday. But there is also pressure for him to perform if he wants to maximise his chances of retaining World No. 1 at the end of the clay-court season.