Carlos Alcaraz crowned as 'best in the world', but is he French Open favourite ahead of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal?

There was an amusing exchange after Carlos Alcaraz beat Novak Djokovic in a thrilling Madrid Open semi-final when the red-hot 19-year-old was asked who the best player in the world is. “Well, Djokovic, because he’s No. 1,” was Alcaraz’s answer.

Ad/> Pressed again on who is the best player in the world at this moment, Alcaraz said: “I’m not going to tell you that. The one that I know, I’m not going to tell you. I was able to beat No.

1, but still I’m ranked No. 9. I still have eight players in front of me to be No.

1.” TennisAlcaraz thrilled with 'unbelievable final', will skip Rome ahead of French Open14 HOURS AGO Eight is now down to five after Alcaraz won his second Masters title in Madrid. And any debate over his current standing in the men’s game seems less challenging to answer. “Right now you are the best player in the world,” said Zverev after getting outplayed by Alcaraz in the Madrid Open final.

Since losing his opener in Monte Carlo, Alcaraz, 19, has won 10 matches in a row to secure titles in Barcelona and Madrid. Even though he beat both Nadal and Djokovic in Madrid, his demolition of Zverev was arguably Alcaraz’s most impressive performance. Zverev, who blasted the ATP afterwards for “disgraceful” scheduling that left him short of sleep, has won Madrid twice, including last year, and had never lost on the main court.