“The Time of Fighting for Number 1 Has Passed for Me.”- Rafael Nadal Says He Is Not Going to Fight for Rankings

Rafael Nadal have had a great start to the 2022 season so far. After winning the record 21st Grand Slam in Australia, the Spanish Bull is now thriving in the Mexican Open. Nadal won his 1st round match against unseeded American Denis Kudla in straight sets and will now face Stefan Kozlov on Thursday.

Rafa has already won the Mexican open 3 times before; twice (2005, 2013) on clay and once (2020) after the change of surface to hardcourt (2014). The Spaniard seemed happy with his performance and expressed his feeling in the post-game interview.

Nadal said that it was a very positive match, he started to play well and a good win in 2 sets. Ironically all the 21 matches he won so far in Mexican Open are in straight sets only.

Rafael Nadal Comments on contention for the top spot in ATP Ranking

When asked about his desire to be no. 1 in the world ranking again, Rafa told Marca, “The time of fighting for number 1 has passed for me. Physical problems prevented me from ever finishing more than number 1.” (Translated via Google Translate)

The 35-year and former world no 1 star, acknowledged the limitation with the age and added, “There are many young people who are prepared to play all the events they need to fight for it. I have to select more and I’m not going to make a different schedule to look for more points”. (Translated Via Google Translate)

But the competitive El Nino has different plans for his longevity in the sport. He will be more selective of the further tournaments and intend to be fit to play more. For Rafa, it would be a mistake to pursue “Top Spot” as his goals are different.

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Record Year for Experienced Rafa

Nadal, who is in his 21st year in Professional Tennis, had many records and some personal best records too. Apart from being the highest grand slam-winning Male player of an Open Era, Nadal also has the highest number of Grand Slam (13) wins in a single tournament (French Open).

Nadal is one of just 4 players who have won at least two titles in every Grand Slam. Novak Djokovic, Rod Laver, and Roy Emerson are the other players who have managed this ultimate feat.

Also, Rafael Nadal broke some personal records in 2022 with this win. He is now undefeated in 11 Matches in a row, his personal longest streak since 2014.

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