Rafael Nadal broke into the Top 10 of the ATP rankings in April 2005 and hasn’t failed since. The Spanish phenomenon is the player who has spent the longest time in the Top 10 with a record of over 900 weeks, further testimony to his incredible longevity.
The former world number 1 did not start the new season well, having been defeated by Cameron Norrie and Alex de Minaur in the inaugural edition of the United Cup. The 36-year-old from Manacor still seemed a long way from his best form and has already gone in Melbourne to train for the Australian Open.
Rafa will have to defend many points in the first part of 2023, having won the Australian Open and Roland Garros last year. The 22-time Grand Slam champion said he was confident despite the false start, but it won’t be easy to stem opponents much younger than him at the AOs.
If we also include the last part of last season in the discussion, it is interesting to note how the Iberian has lost six of the last seven matches played on the circuit. In an interview with ‘We Love Tennis’, former French player Lionel Roux detailed Nadal’s prospects.
Lionel Roux on Rafa Nadal
“It will be interesting to see if Rafael Nadal will stay in the top 10, after I know that what I say is very odd,” Roux was quoted as saying by We Love Tennis. “If…
