In the early morning of March 15, Beijing time, the 3rd round of the ATP1000 Indian Wells Masters began to compete, and the new world number one Medvedev met with the Frenchman Monfils. After a fierce battle in three sets, Monfils won 2-1 against Medvedev. It was the second time in Monfils' career to beat World No. 1, the last time going back to Doha in 2009.
Medvedev led Djokovic by just 150 points this week, and he could pick up 45 points after Indian Wells stopped in the round of 32. With Medvedev deducting 250 points from last year's Marseille victory next Monday, he will be 55 points behind Djokovic, who can return to the world number one throne by a slight margin.
Medvedev's first world number one lasted only 2 weeks, and Djokovic was able to climb to world number one next Monday, despite failing to play in Indian Wells. This will be the 362nd week of Djokovic ranking the world's first place, this time the world's first throne, Deyo can sit for at least two weeks.
How long Djokovic can sustain this world number one depends on Medvedev's performance at the miami masters. At the Miami Masters Medvedev had 180 points to defend, while Djokovic was deducted 45 points. Djokovic's lead would reach 190 points after the two men's points were deducted, and Medvedev could only regain world number one on April 4 after Miami reached the final four (360 points).
In the following clay season, the two will compete for the world number one more intensely. Although Medvedev was under little pressure to keep points, his performance on clay has been unsatisfactory. In the period between now and the end of the French Open, the world's number one position may be replaced by Djokovic and Medvedev several times.