via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain greets Roger Federer of Switzerland during a practice session during Middle Sunday of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
via Getty
LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 07: Rafael Nadal of Spain greets Roger Federer of Switzerland during a practice session during Middle Sunday of The Championships – Wimbledon 2019 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club on July 07, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)
The end of the 2021 season saw many old and few new faces in the year-end Top 10 ATP Rankings. Notably, Casper Ruud, Hubert Hurkacz, and young Jannik Sinner found themselves in this group for the first of many times to come. Besides these names, the other seven players were in the Top 10 last year as well. Interestingly, even Rafael Nadal managed to keep his place despite an injury-plagued season.
Serbian ace Novak Djokovic ended the season as year-end World No.1 for a record-breaking seventh time. Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas, Russia’s Andrey Rublev, and Spain’s Rafael Nadal are the next names on the list. What’s more, the Spaniard unlocked an exceptional milestone with this feat.
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Rafael Nadal ends 2021 season inside the Top 10 ATP Rankings
After a successful clay-court season, Nadal injured his foot during the French Open semifinal against Djokovic. From then on, the 35-year-old Spaniard struggled on the court and ended his season in August at Washington Open.
However, his sensational results allowed him to finish the season as sixth in the world. Besides, Nadal is the oldest tennis player in the 2021 year-ending Top 10 ATP Rankings.
USA Today via Reuters
Aug 5, 2021; Washington, DC, USA; Rafael Nadal of Spain reacts after a play against Lloyd Harris of South Africa (not pictured) during the Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
Last year, Roger Federer was the eldest member of this elite group. But due to injuries and few tournaments played, the Swiss maestro left the Top 10 for the first time in three years in 2021.
At 40, Federer is still passionate about his return on the ATP Tour next season. Although he cannot even jog until March 2022, the tennis world hopes to see him back in action as soon as possible.
via Reuters
Tennis – Wimbledon – All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain – July 7, 2021 Switzerland’s Roger Federer reacts during his quarter final match against Poland’s Hubert Hurkacz REUTERS/Toby Melville
Coming to Nadal, he has recovered from his injury and is training for a full-fledged 2022 comeback. But he did admit that finding his A-game soon will be a complicated process.
Read More: BRAVO! Teenager Carlos Alcaraz Bags More Prize Money Than Idol Rafael Nadal in 2021
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Where will Nadal return to the tennis tour?
Fortunately, the 20-time Grand Slam champion has confirmed his participation in the Australian Open 2022. But before that, he will compete at the exhibition event in Abu Dhabi.
Most significantly, Nadal acknowledged the challenges of a comeback at his age. But not to forget, Federer came back from knee surgery and won Australian Open at 35 years old.
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Above all, fans hope Nadal makes a complete recovery and returns with his signature competitive spirit. Do you think the Spaniard will win the 21st Grand Slam title before Djokovic and Federer?
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