“His Ranking Is Much Higher”: Rafael Nadal Reveals How Kei Nishikori Can Enter in Top 10 Rankings
Follow Us
King of Clay, Rafael Nadal, yet again survived at the brink of defeat in the Barcelona Open 2021. The Spaniard defeated Japanese No. 1 Kei Nishikori 6-0, 2-6, 6-2. Consequently, he reflected on Kei’s future in the ATP Rankings in his post-match conference.
The 11-time Barcelona champ had not faced three consecutive three-setters on clay since 2015. However, standing true to his reputation, the 34-year-old did not give up and now has a place in the quarterfinal.
Kei Nishikori has had a career plagued by injuries but is slowly surging back to form on the ATP tour. Although he saw a bagel in the first set against the Mallorcan, he pulled his socks up and fought exquisitely until the last game.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Not Something Negative”: Rafael Nadal After Pulling Through the Battle Against Kei Nishikori at Barcelona Open 2021
Rafael Nadal on Kei Nishikori’s chances to enter the ATP Top 10 rankings
Rafael Nadal, 34, never falls short of appreciating tough opponents or matches. So when asked about whether Nishikori would return to the Top 10, he gave a positive response.
“I think Kei played a great level of tennis after that first set no. Have been a very very tough match; anything could happen,” Nadal began. “His ranking is not this one, is much higher, but of course, as everyone, he needs to stay healthy for some time.”
Trending
Physically Absent at Madrid, Rafael Nadal’s Biggest Fan Ben Stiller Drops 1-Word Stirring Message as the Spaniard Rolls Back the Years
April 27, 2024 06:02 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Madrid Open: Rafael Nadal Loses Cool at Chair Umpire Fergus Murphy in Heated Scenes After Getting Robbed Off a Challenge
April 27, 2024 04:30 PM EDT
Where Is Venus and Serena Williams’ Father ‘King’ Richard Now? Everything to Know about His Whereabouts
April 25, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
‘Got Them a $92,000 Motor Home’- Venus and Serena Williams’ Childhood Coach Rick Macci Reveals Lavish Money Spent Based on ‘King’ Richard’s Confidence
February 14, 2023 09:40 PM EST
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Nadal. "Nishikori will be top 10 again if he stays healthy".
[getty] pic.twitter.com/tiX18lqmal— José Morgado (@josemorgado) April 22, 2021
Furthermore, Rafa addressed the importance of staying match fit consistently to become a Top 10 player. Thus, he believes that the former World No. 4 needs to maintain the same level for two more years.
“Because if not, I know very well how it works, and if you are on and off then very often, then it’s super difficult no. Yes, he can come back if he has the motivation to come back and if he is able to be healthy for a couple of years. Of course, yes,” the Spaniard concluded.
“Don’t Know How Symbolic This Is”: Novak Djokovic Intrigued With a Special Gesture in Montenegro
Who can stop Nadal from winning the Barcelona Open 2021?
Nadal will next face British player Cameron Norrie for a seat in the semifinals. Going by his performances this year, Norrie will not let the Spaniard steamroll over him.
From here on, the Barcelona draw will get denser and more troublesome. The expected semifinalist against Nadal is another clay-court specialist, Argentine World No. 9 Diego Schwartzman. Moreover, Diego has once beaten Nadal on clay; he defeated the Spaniard in the 2020 Italian Open quarterfinal.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
On the other side, the fight is alive for the final between Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Felix Auger-Aliassime, and Jannik Sinner.
Who do you think will become the Barcelona Open 2021 champion?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
“Helps Me Raise My Level and Confidence”: Felix Auger-Aliassime Speaks On His Association With Toni Nadal