Since returning from seven-month absence due to a left knee injury in February, Rafael Nadal has compiled a 65-3 match record on the season. He has won 10 titles from 12 finals, including the Roland Garros (d. Ferrer) and US Open (d. Djokovic) crowns plus five ATP World Tour Masters 1000 trophies.
“This is a great year, one of the best years of my career without any doubt. “It sure is special be back to the top position of the rankings after more than a half year without playing tennis.”
“I felt during the [whole] season, very excited, every time I [went] on court,” said Nadal, adding that he mentally recharged during seven months away from the ATP World Tour. “[I was] very excited to compete again, and compete well, and [be] competitive against everybody.”
“I worked hard every day with the right attitude I think, and because of that, I am today in this situation. I am No. 1 today, but it’s not [assured] for the end of the season.”
“I [won’t] go to sleep tonight feeling that I am the best player of the world. That’s something that I never thought, and I don’t… think [that] now today. I played a very complete season, and that’s why I am the best in the rankings today. Celebrations are for the end of the season, not before. [It] is not my time for celebrations, it’s time [to] keep being focused. The season is not over, my work is not over. [In tennis], when you achieve something important, you don’t have time to celebrate [because] in a few days you will be… competing and playing against a player that is trying to beat you. I fight for every week, I fight every match.”
Source: ATP World Tour, Photos: chinaopen.com
Superb Stuff Rafa .. May You Always Stay No 1 & we have the privilege of seeing you play great tennis .. You’re such an amazing player & a wonderful person .. 🙂
What fantastic news-may he stay at no1 for a long time yet! I will never tire of seeing him-he is such an exciting player to watch!!
No doubt you will go down in history as the greatest tennis player ever and the greatest human being ever as well. Your humility and outstanding principles take your desire and ability to win that much further. We love you like no other.
Oh heck yeah!!!! You go RAFA, you are right back where you belong, and yes, nothing is guaranteed in this life, esp. in tennis!! You have the right attitude, coupled with your humility, I believe that makes you a true champion, whether or not you are No. 1 or No. 167!! Congrats, RAFA, good luck Sunday and good luck the rest of the season!!
what a man…incredible humility after such an enormous achievement. CANNOT wait to see these guys in London. this will hopefully erase the painful memories of the only time I have ever seen Rafa play in the flesh: Wimbledon 2012…vamos!
Well done RAFA!!!!!!!! .Ilong to see you in Rome next summer.
The most uplifting sports story of the year. Rafa is back where he belongs at number one.