RAFAEL NADAL HAS NOW MOST CONSECUTIVE WEEKS IN TOP 10 OF ATP RANKINGS

Rafael Nadal in Rome Masters 2006. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Rafa breaks Jimmy Connors’ record, much ahead of Federer, Djokovic

Earlier this month Rafael Nadal won his 13^th French Open, and he is now standing at twenty Grand Slams mark with Roger Federer. Nadal also the only player to win four Grand Slams without dropping a single set, most by a player. He broke the record of Bjorn Borg who achieved that three times. Nadal defeated Novak Djokovic in straight sets to win another French open title.

This week Nadal is entering his name in history book once again by becoming the male player to have spent most consecutive weeks in ATP top 10 rankings. His consecutive 789 weeks in top 10 passes away Jimmy Connors record of 788 weeks. Rafael Nadal first enter the top 10 ATP rankings on 25^th April 2005. He was then only 18 year old teenager. Now at 34 he is now standing in top 10 more than 15 years.

Last year he broke the record of Roger Federer standing in third position with 735 weeks. Nadal is also much ahead of Novak Djokovic who had spent 555 weeks in top 10 from 2007 to 2017. Though he regained his position in 2018, and he is now the world no. 1. The Serbian is chasing Roger Federer’s 311 weeks of No. 1 record. Djokovic is now standing almost 292 weeks as No. 1. In early March, 2021. He can break Federer’s record if Nadal or Thiem doesn’t show any exceptional performance.

Rafael Nadal practicing in his academy. Image Courtesy: Instagram

Nadal had missed eight Grand Slam tournaments for injuries, more than his rivals Federer and Djokovic. But Nadal earned enough points in ATP tours to hold the spot in top 10. In a injury-prone career it was tough for him to continue his form in the highest level, but he has unbelievable mental strength. He shows his class whenever he is in pressure. His dedication behind the game tells us what a great athlete he is. Some raises their fingers to question his consistency in other courts except clay. But this monumental record is probably the best answer for them.  He produced week to week consistency to keep his points far above to stay in top 10 for most consecutive weeks. He is very hard minded athlete, he knows well about his ability, so success is always in his racket.