Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz & Stefanos Tsitsipas' next tournament: Where and when do ATP stars play next after Australian Open?
The first act of the 2023 tennis season was an exciting one, as the Australian Open concluded on a high note. But the sport never really stops, and now it's back to the regular grind of the ATP tour.
There are 12 tournaments happening in the month of February, with events being staged across the Middle East, Europe and South America. Three ATP 250 events are lined up on February 6, as players get set to compete in Dallas, Montpellier and Cordoba.
The Rotterdam Open (February 13-19), is one of four ATP 500 tournaments taking place this month. The other three are the Rio Open (February 20-26), the Mexican Open (February 27-March 4) and the Dubai Tennis Championships (February 27-March 4).
The remaining events fall under the ATP 250 category and will be held in Doha, Delray Beach, Marseille, Santiago and Buenos Aires.
The leading stars of the men's tour, including 22-time Major champion Novak Djokovic, teen sensation Carlos Alcaraz and World No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas, are all set to compete in February. Here's a look at the trio's upcoming schedule:
Novak Djokovic to headline the field in Dubai
Novak Djokovic is the top seed at the Dubai Tennis Championships, which will begin on February 27. He's a five-time champion at the venue, with his most recent title coming back in 2020.
Djokovic slumped to a surprise defeat in the quarterfinals against qualifier Jiri Vesely last year. However, he is the firm favorite to claim the title this time around.
The Serb recently claimed his record-equalling 22nd Grand Slam title at the Australian Open, catching up to old rival Rafael Nadal. He's yet to lose a match this year and is currently on a 12-match winning streak.
Djokovic is also dealing with an injury; it was recently revealed that he suffered a 3 cm tear in his hamstring during his title-winning run in Melbourne. However, he has enough time to recuperate, and should return to the tour soon.
Carlos Alcaraz's packed February schedule will see him compete in three South American events
An injury sustained during a practice session ruled Carlos Alcaraz out of the Australian Open. He also subsequently relinquished the World No. 1 ranking to Djokovic, and would be eager to get back on top.
The Spaniard is yet to play an ATP event this year, but is looking to make up for lost time by competing in three consecutive tournaments.
Alcaraz will return to action at the Argentina Open, which will be held in Buenos Aires from February 13. He'll then head to Brazil the following week for the Rio Open, where he's the defending champion.
Following the conclusion of these two clay court events, Alcaraz will switch to hardcourts. The teenager will be in Acapulco for the Mexican Open from February 27.
After a breakthrough season in 2022, Alcaraz will be aiming to solidify his rapid rise to the top by performing well this year too. Competing after an injury hiatus is always tough, but the youngster has it in him to get back to winning ways in no time.
Stefanos Tsitsipas to compete in Rotterdam and Acapulco
Stefanos Tsitsipas is scheduled to compete in two events this month. First up is the Rotterdam Open, which will begin on February 13.
Tsitsipas made it to the final of the event last year and will be gunning to go one step further this time.
The Greek will then join Alcaraz in Acapulco for the Mexican Open starting from February 27.
With both of them being ATP 500 events, Tsitsipas will be aiming to end his losing streak in finals at this level. He has made it to the championship round nine times so far, but is yet to lay his hands on an ATP 500 trophy.
The Greek has been playing rather well this year. Tsitsipas went undefeated at the United Cup and then reached the final of the Australian Open, where he came up short against Djokovic. That remains his only loss of the year so far.
The 24-year old has been in great form and will look to continue his exploits in his upcoming events.