Rafael Nadal failed to become the only player with 18 consecutive weeks in the top-10, dropping out from the exclusive group after Indian Wells. However, a 22-time Major winner has moved closer to achieving another impressive milestone, standing one week from becoming the only player with 18 consecutive years in the top-15!
Nadal is currently world no. 15, losing one position in comparison to the previous week and standing 305 ATP points in front of Alexander Zverev. The Spaniard is missing his favorite Masters 1000 event in Monte Carlo, still not feeling at his best.
Rafa could leave the top-15 next week, with four rivals trying to pass him, although they all need to win the title to achieve that, which is unlikely to happen. Nadal has not played since the Australian Open second round, dealing with an injury and missing Doha, Dubai, Indian Wells, Miami and Monte Carlo.
The Spaniard is targeting Barcelona as the return event, but that’s still uncertain, as he wants to recover entirely and play at 100%. Rafa was in a great position to finish the previous season at the top after conquering the Australian Open and Roland Garros.
The veteran led the ATP Race despite injuries and setbacks and set his eyes on the third consecutive Major crown at Wimbledon. The Spaniard ousted Taylor Fritz following an incredible five-setter in the quarter-final, prevailing in over four hours despite apparent issues.
Rafa revealed a seven-millimeter abdominal tear and withdrew ahead of the semi-final duel with Nick Kyrgios. It remains Nadal’s last notable tournament eight months later!
Rafael Nadal is world no. 15 on the latest ATP ranking list.
The Spaniard scored three wins at the US Open before losing to Frances Tiafoe in the fourth round, feeling the pain again and staying away from the court for two months.
Nadal could not find the rhythm in November after an extended break, losing four consecutive matches for the first time since 2009! Rafa embraced an off-season, hoping for a fresh start in 2023. Instead, he has played only four encounters this year, losing three and sealing his fate in the top-10 after Indian Wells!
Not feeling at his best, Rafa gave everything while seeking the Australian Open title defense. He overpowered the young Briton Jack Draper in the first round and faced Mackenzie McDonald in the second. The American scored a 6-4, 6-4, 7-5 triumph and delivered the Spaniard’s early loss at Majors since 2016.
Rafa injured his left hip in the second set’s closing stages, refusing to retire and giving his 120% in the third. However, he suffered a late break to propel the rival over the top and drop almost 2000 ATP points. After further checks, Nadal revealed a Grade 2 iliopsoas injury that forced him to miss four hard-court events in February and March before withdrawing from Monte Carlo.
Rafa is back on the practice court, increasing the pace and wishing to compete in Barcelona, Madrid, Rome and Paris in the next two months.
