Sports

Rafael Nadal no longer in ATP top 10 for first time since 2005

Twenty-two time Grand Slam winner is currently sitting at number 13 in rankings

By Sports Desk

March 21, 2023

Spains Rafael Nadal leaves after defeat against Mackenzie McDonald of the US in the mans singles on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 18, 2023. — AFP — Spain's Rafael Nadal leaves after defeat against Mackenzie McDonald of the US in the man's singles on day three of the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne on January 18, 2023. — AFP

Twenty-two time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal is out of the ATP top ten for the first since 2005, following his withdrawal from the Indian Wells a month ago due an injury.

Nadal is currently sitting at number 13 in the rankings.

Injury forced Nadal to skip the Masters 1000 event in California, where he played the final last year. The Spaniard is recovering from a hip issue, which also led to his Australia Open exit in the second round in January.

After losing 600 points from Indian Wells, Nadal dropped four places to 13th in the rankings — ending his record 912-week stay inside the top 10.

However, Nadal could make a comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters next month ahead of the French Open, which he has won 14 times over the course of his illustrious career.

World number four Casper Ruud, who was defeated by Nadal in the Roland Garros final last year, said he would not be shocked to see the ‘King of Clay’ lift the trophy once again.

"It wouldn't surprise me because he'll probably use these weeks and these months, as he's preparing for exactly Roland Garros," Ruud told Eurosport as part of the 'Ruud Talk' series.

"It doesn't matter if he loses in Monte Carlo or Rome or Madrid. The only thing that's probably on his mind these days is just to be fit, be healthy and be ready for Roland Garros."