Rafael Nadal’s incredible top-10 run will end after Indian Wells. The Spaniard will drop out from the elite group for the first time after almost 18 years, setting the record that will stay in his possession for good. Novak Djokovic praised his great rival, saying his consistency is ‘unheard of.’
Novak hailed Rafa’s ability to overcome injuries and lengthy breaks and remain in the selected group, playing well on every surface and producing high-level tennis. Nadal entered the top-10 at 18 in April 2005 following his first Barcelona Open title.
The Spaniard has always remained in the group, setting an incredible record despite many setbacks. Rafa survived two challenging years in 2015 and 2016, failing to fight for notable titles and barely staying in the top-10 due to injuries and a lack of form.
Nadal returned to his best in 2017, claiming more Major titles and standing on 22, sharing the record with Djokovic.
Novak Djokovic praised Rafael Nadal’s top-10 run.
Rafa has been dealing with a couple of Major injuries over the last 12 months, losing ground despite his Roland Garros title and dropping out from the top-10.
Nadal fractured his left rib at the last year’s Indian Wells and experienced ongoing pain in his left foot during the clay swing. He left it behind and claimed his 14th Roland Garros crown, extending his incredible legacy. Rafa reached the Wimbledon semi-final and withdrew due to a seven-millimeter abdominal tear that ruined his season.
Nadal played only nine matches by the end of the year and experienced four straight losses for the first time since 2009. Wishing for a fresh start in 2023, Rafa delivered one victory at the Australian Open before injuring his left hip in the second round.
The veteran missed all the action in February and March and will try to return in Monte Carlo or Barcelona in April. “It’s incredible consistency. Rafa has been well-known for that over the years. Yeah, I have total respect for him.
Staying in the top-10 for almost 20 years is unheard of, and it speaks about the quality of his tennis and consistency throughout the years on every surface. Rafa had to deal with injuries, and they sometimes sidelined him for six months. However, he would always manage to stay at the top,” Novak Djokovic said.
