This is an article “What’s Next for Rafael Nadal?” by Marc Pulisci
After creating another record-breaking milestone in his stellar career with over 6,000 consecutive days in the Top 10 of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings, the 35-year old champion is looking ahead to 2021 for even greater things. Though fans have missed their beloved Rafa at the US Open, the record holder for most weeks at the ATP Top 10 will now attempt to defy age and keep himself in the running as the greatest of all time in men’s singles tennis.
Few might remember that historic day on April 25, 2005, when Nadal first made the Top 10 rankings. However, it was only 22 days ago since that day when the Spanish champion clashed with Swiss legend Roger Federer for an ATP Tour Final title in Miami. That match marked the iconic rivalry that would go on for decades between the two. A season earlier, Nadal had forced an upset against Federer during the third round. That time, he was still outside the Top 30. What many noticed, though, is how quick he was in bridging the ATP ranking gap. Of course, back then, the two’s 20-Grand Slam record co-holder Novak Djokovic was also entering his first Grand Slam tournament.
At any rate, Nadal’s latest achievement of 836 weeks stands as another testament to his enduring career and longevity. It overshadows Jimmy Connors’s former record of 789 weeks at the top of the rankings by a shocking margin and, for what it’s worth, Roger Federer only held 734 weeks at the Top 10.
Despite still displaying excellent athleticism and stamina in his previous matches this year, many wonder what’s next for Rafa, who is also fast approaching the twilight years of his career.
Starting strong
Nadal first entered the ATP Tour way back in 2002 and made his way to the top list in just three years. The then 18-year old’s first title in Barcelona was against Juan Carlos Ferrero, who he demolished in a nearly three-hour match that ended at 6-1, 7-6, 6-3. The win was his fifth ATP title, but the first that he won at home. From then on, Nadal’s star never faded again as he registered the most title wins (four) in his career during an 11-title season.
The year 2005 was a big one indeed for Nadal, who broke into the ranks of Federer, Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick, and Marat Safin in the Top 10. Little did both Nadal and Federer know that a few months before the Barcelona finals, a young Serbian named Novak Djokovic made his grand slam debut at the Australian Open. Nevertheless, Nadal finished the season as world number 2 after Federer – a rank he would secure for the next 40 months.
When it comes to being world number 1, Federer holds a record 310 weeks at the spot, which he first captured in 2004. He was undisputed until Nadal knocked him off in 2008 when, during a grueling four-month run, the Spaniard captured eight titles. However, the Swiss champion regained his throne the following year. To date, Nadal has registered a total of 209 weeks at the top spot, with year ends in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017, and 2019.
Coming off a break
After withdrawing from most Grand Slam tournaments this year due to a persistent foot injury, fans are eager to see the king of clay back in championship form.
Aside from getting ample time to recuperate, the Spanish champion made good use of his respite from the courts by being honored as an ‘adopted son’ in Mallorca. The town suffered devastation from torrential rains and floods in October 2018, which led to 13 deaths and over 200 displaced people. The champion spent hours and resources helping volunteers get the town of Sant Llorenc des Cardassar back on its feet, while also opening his Rafa Nadal Academy for those displaced by the floods. Aside from his physical contributions, Nadal also provided a generous donation of 1 million euros to survivors.
Despite being sidelined for most of the year, no one is counting the Spanish champion out of capturing his 21st Grand Slam title, or at least in the way that most are anticipating a Federer retirement. Nadal’s last prestigious title was at Roland Garros in 2020, where he defeated Djokovic in straight sets. Given that 2021 was the year Djokovic failed to capture a rare Golden Slam after failing to secure a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics and the title at the US Open, everyone expects Nadal to come out strong in 2022. After all, the champ’s camp had repeatedly mentioned that the time missed in the 2020 season was to ensure his return to championship form.
According to coach Toni Nadal Homar, Rafa is on track to capture his 21st Grand Slam and has a good two or three years left in the tank to seal his greatness. Less can be said for the 40-year old Federer, who likewise was hounded by injuries during the past season.
Moving forward
Though bowing out in August, Nadal was able to secure two titles this year. He currently ranks at world number 6. The position is fair enough and one he can confidently secure via points until next year despite recently losing a total of 940 points from his 5,815 total. The points loss means that regaining pole ATP position would take more titles, especially during 2022’s clay season in May. Bowing out of the French Open might mean losing his Top 10 spot.
While there’s no denying that younger players are getting better every year, Nadal is confident that he can recover from his losses against the likes of Stefanos Tsitsipas, Andrey Rublev, Alexander Zverev, Lloyd Harris, and of course, Djokovic. His sights are set for the Australian Open in Melbourne, Victoria, on January 17 for now. Coach Toni guarantees that things are improving physically and that the Spaniard is looking forward to a great season.
Earlier, Federer had announced that he’d need a few more months to recuperate from his knee surgery, which means he will be out of the Australian Open. With Rafa well-rested and Djokovic hungry for redemption, 2022 might be the year we see another scintillating tennis season with both of them top-billing every major tournament, just like the good old days.
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