Rafael Nadal made no attempt to defend 500 ATP points this week, withdrawing from Dubai and extending his break from tennis due to injury. Nadal is currently at 3315 ATP points, falling down the ATP Rankings list and preparing to leave the top-10 for the first time since April 2005!
Rafa is in 8th place after losing positions to Taylor Fritz and Daniil Medvedev. Thus, the Spaniard leaves the top-7 for the first time since January 2017 and occupies his worst place on the list in more than six years! Nadal was in an excellent position to end the previous season on a high after winning the Australian Open and Roland Garros.
Rafa led the ATP Race despite injuries and setbacks, seeking a third straight Major crown at Wimbledon. The Spaniard unseated Taylor Fritz after an incredible duel in the quarterfinals, prevailing in more than four hours despite apparent problems.
The veteran revealed a seven-millimeter abdominal tear and withdrew before the semifinal duel against Nick Kyrgios. Plagued by injuries, Rafael Nadal is slowly leaving the company of the top-10. Despite trying his best to recover, it was Nadal’s last notable tournament to date.
The Spaniard achieved three victories at the US Open before losing to Frances Tiafoe. The pain was still there, and Rafa missed all the action before the Paris Masters. Never enjoying indoor conditions, Nadal struggled to find his rhythm after a long break, and he lost four straight matches for the first time since 2009!
The year-end battle for number 1 became mission impossible, and Rafa had a season off, hoping for a fresh start in 2023, similar to the one he had a year ago.
Bellucci on facing Rafa Nadal
Thomaz Bellucci has revealed that playing against the likes of Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are a few of the special moments during his tennis career that he cherishes.
“Tennis has been part of my life… like I’ve been travelling so much for the last 20 years. Like missing all my parties with my friends, the birthdays of families, friends. So, I gave up a lot of moments in my life to be a professional tennis player,” he said.
“Just one [favorite memory]… maybe, the Olympic games in Rio, 2016. I was in the quarterfinals. So, I played against Nadal. So, there was around 10,000 people cheering for me. So, I think that was one of the most special moments of my career,” expressed Bellucci.
