Nadal Says Number One Ranking Not A Big Thing For Federer Or Him

Written by: Bob Larson Tennis on 30th October 2013

Nadal Says Number One Ranking Not A Big Thing For Federer Or Him

epa03907436 The world's number one tennis player Rafael Nadal of Spain takes a rest during the semifinal match of the Shanghai Masters against Juan Martin del Potro of Argentina in Shanghai, China, 12 October 2013. Del Potro won 6-2, 6-4 and will face Novak Djokovic of Servia in the Final. EPA/XI YA CHINA OUT |

Rafael Nadal believes that for himself and Roger Federer, gaining or holding the No. 1 ranking is old news at this stage in their storied careers. The No. 1 Spaniard made his return to the Paris Masters after a four-year absence and said that his only worry is feeling healthy.

“My goal is not to be No. 1, my goal is be healthy and finish the season. But in very positive circumstances I am here today being the No. 1 of the world. What makes me happy is go on court every day with a feeling that I am healthy, with the feeling that I am playing well, and feeling that I can lose and I can win against everybody.”

Nadal, winner of ten trophies in 2013, said that whatever the outcome in Paris and at the World Tour Finals next week in London, “this season I’ve done much better than I thought. I’m going to try it finish well here and in London. If I am able to play well and I finish number one, great. If not, it doesn’t change the season as being one of the best of my career without any doubt.

“I enjoyed probably more than ever to play tennis the whole year. Very emotional matches this year for the situation that I had last year (when he missed seven months with knee problems). The thing that worries less to me are the numbers on my ranking.”

Nadal said that Federer is also not likely sweating his current ranking of fifth. “I think No. 1 is not his goal, because he has been there. He’s been in the top positions of the ranking for a long time. At the end, what really makes you happy is go on court with the feeling you can win the tournament.

“That’s probably the only thing that maybe worries him. His goal is probably to finish the year well and be ready to start well in Australia next year. If that happens, he will be one of the candidates to win in the first grand slam of the season. That’s something that really motivates him.

“I’m sure that he’s not finished. He will work hard in the off season to be ready for 2014. I am sure he will be back playing great tennis again.”

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