Spanish tennis legend, Rafael Nadal, and compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz, are leading the ATP ranking charts currently. The 19-year-old got the reward for his consistent performance on the tour. After defeating the legends like Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal, he also clinched his maiden Grand Slam title.
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The US Open 2022 champion currently sits at the top of the ATP rankings. Following him closely is the Veteran Spanish campaigner, Nadal. While the two look at each other as competitors, Spanish fans are happy to have two of their countrymen topping the tennis rankings.
While Nadal is proud of that, he knows that it won’t remain the same throughout the year. Here’s what he said.
Rafael Nadal emphasizes maintaining a high ranking throughout the year
Speaking highly of the rising Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz, Nadal said that it is amazing to shave two players from Spain at the top of the ranks. However, he also said that it will be challenging to keep it that way. Specifically, as he himself features in very few tournaments.
Nadal: "Es difícil mantener un ranking tan alto al jugar pocos torneos" puntodebreak.com/2022/11/28/nad…
“It’s very nice that there are two Spanish tennis players at the top of the table. But I don’t think it’s going to be a trend. It’s going to be difficult for us to stay there throughout 2023, it’s very difficult to maintain the level necessary to be so up for so long. In my case, I play a few tournaments a year and I could only be there if I perform at a very high level in all of them,” Nadal said.
Here’s how the fans reacted to Nadal’s statement:
A fan took a shot at Nadal’s habit of complaining.
This guy is the GOAT of excuses. No one comes close.
Nadal: "Es difícil mantener un ranking tan alto al jugar pocos torneos" puntodebreak.com/2022/11/28/nad…
Another fan compared his situation with Djokovic.
Novak had it more difficult than u, nadal. Dont know why he is trying to victimise himself
Nadal: "Es difícil mantener un ranking tan alto al jugar pocos torneos" puntodebreak.com/2022/11/28/nad…
Another fan came up with an explanation to shut down the trolls who were attacking Nadal.
Whole sentece of the interview: ''In my case, I play very few tournaments and I could only be there if I play at a very high level in all of them''. Well, this is true and I don't think he was trying to put excuses.
stop crying man
Countering Djokovic fans who were attacking Nadal over the statement, another Nadal fan tweeted.
You tweet about Rafa more than you tweet about Djokovic.
Para q veámos q mucho cerebro no tiene. Hace un elogio a Djokovic cuando se lo quería hacer asimismo
Nole y Rafa jugaron la misma cantidad de torneos este año.
Nadal vs Djokovic, who did better this year?
Although Nadal has played losses tournaments this year as well, he has maintained his ranking. He won two major tournaments and defeated top-ranked players consistently.
While the legend is absolutely correct in his statement regarding the ranks, fans often cannot understand the exact point players try to make.
Reuters
Tennis – French Open – Roland Garros, Paris, France – June 1, 2022 Spain’s Rafael Nadal shakes hands with Serbia’s Novak Djokovic while winning their quarter final match REUTERS/Yves Herman
Speaking of Djokovic, he too had a great year. While he missed out on the start of the tour, the Serb did well in the grass season.
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Again missing out on the American hard court swing, he had a better finish to the year, winning the ATP Tour Finals. While Nadal had a dip in form later.