ATP Rankings update: Novak Djokovic extends World No. 1 reign despite absence; Taylor Fritz overtakes Ben Shelton as American No. 1 as battle heats up

Novak Djokovic has extended his lead at the top of the ATP rankings. On Monday, April 22, the Serbian star began his 421st week as the World No. 1. Djokovic has 9,990 points to his name, 1,330 more than Jannik Sinner in second spot.

Despite his withdrawal from the Barcelona Open, Sinner increased his advantage over Carlos Alcaraz for the second place. Alcaraz was unable to defend his title at the Barcelona Open as he withdrew due to a forearm injury. The 500-point drop meant an extension of 515 points for Sinner over Alcaraz in the ATP rankings.

Novak Djokovic (9,990 points), Jannik Sinner (8,660 points), Carlos Alcaraz (8,145 points), Daniil Medvedev (7,085 points) and Alexander Zverev (5,425 points) complete the top 5 of the rankings. Meanwhile, Casper Ruud's Barcelona Open win has kept him in the sixth spot with 4,480 points.

The battle for America's No. 1 is heating up between Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton. Shelton reached his career-best ranking of World No. 14 after his title win in Houston earlier this month. With Fritz dropping to No. 15, the 21-year-old became the No. 1 American for the first time. However, Fritz has reclaimed his crown after his impressive run to the final in Munich.

Taylor Fritz earned 110 points for making it to the Munich final, where Jan-Lennard Struff defeated him. Fritz is currently the highest-ranked American player in the ATP rankings at 13 (2,560 points) while Ben Shelton is two places below at 15 (2,480 points)

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Matteo Arnaldi and Arthur Fils continue to shine as Andy Murray drops down a place in this week's ATP rankings

Matteo Arnaldi has gained four places in the ATP rankings

Matteo Arnaldi enjoyed a great run at the Barcelona Open. The Italian made it to the quarterfinals of the tournament, where he was defeated by the eventual champion Casper Ruud. This run has helped Arnaldi gain 70 points and propel him to World No. 36 in the rankings.

Another big mover in the rankings was Frenchman Arthur Fils. The 19-year-old lost to Dusan Lajovic in the quarterfinals of the Barcelona Open but his impressive run helped him earn 88 points. Fils has achieved his career-best ranking of 32 (1,273 points) in the latest ATP rankings.

While a youngster is making big strides in the rankings, a veteran is struggling to get back to his best. Former World No. 1 Andy Murray found himself further down the rankings by one spot. The Brit star is currently ranked as World No. 57 with 910 points.