Nadal Vows to Return to Number One in ATP Rankings

Written by: Staff on 27th December 2011

Nadal Vows to Return to Number One in ATP Rankings |

Rafael Nadal is insistent he will recapture his former intensity and vowed he will no longer play a subservient role to current world no.1 Novak Djokovic who beat the Spaniard in six finals during the course of 2011.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the Spanish newspaper El Pais, the 25 year-old Majorcan admitted the pressures being a top-flight performer for the best part of a decade had taken the edge of his performances in the last year.

Nadal added that in order to be more successful in 2012, he needs to more aggressive from the outset in tournaments against lower ranked players in the early rounds and dictate from more advanced positions inside the court.

“Many times I had the feeling that I had no control of my matches,” he said. “From Indian Wells to Wimbledon, and then at the Olympic Games in London, that is when I have to be at my best.”

Nadal admitted: “Over the years you’ll lose a little intensity. You burn with the amount of competition. I practically had seven years without losing to the first two ranked players and that’s how it works in tennis.

“It’s like when it’s said that I get hurt a lot. I do not get hurt much. It is impossible that I’ve been hurt a lot. Many people write from an emotional sense and not with pure facts. I have had hard times, problems, but not harsh injuries.”

Since winning the Davis Cup for Spain in Seville three weeks ago, Nadal has gone through a period of introspection. He maintains he will play with a far more attacking attitude next year and believes that will come with renewed physical strength and greater powers of concentration.

Topics: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal