Rafael Nadal maintained his number one spot in the men’s Association of Tennis Professionals world singles rankings released Monday, with 8,770 points.
Roger Federer remained in the second place, while Alexander Zverev jumped to the third spot. Marin Cilic fell to the fourth spot, ahead of Grigor Dimitrov.
Our champ had to win the Masters 1000 tournament to prevent Federer overtaking him in the rankings. The victory also means that Rafa has begun his 171st week at No. 1 in ATP Rankings, breaking a tie with American John McEnroe (170 weeks).
The current ATP rankings and point scores are as follows:
1. Rafael Nadal (Spain) 8,770 points
2. Roger Federer (Switzerland) 8,670
3. Alexander Zverev (Germany) 5,195
4. Marin Cilic (Croatia) 4,985
5. Grigor Dimitrov (Bulgaria) 4,950
6. Juan Martin del Potro (Argentina) 4,470
7. Dominic Thiem (Austria) 3,755
8. Kevin Anderson (South Africa) 3,390
9. John Isner (USA) 3,125
10. David Goffin (Belgium) 2,930.
Rafa has risen to No. 4 in the latest ATP Race to London standings after winning his 11th Rolex Monte-Carlo Masters title.
Rafa is already in Barcelona, where he is a 10-time titlist, having won a career-best 36 consecutive sets on clay.
Sources: ATP World Tour, EFE
Rafa’s image has entered the realm of science.
FYI Bigthink.com, an e-science publication, published an article on sweating. A headshot of the handsome but very sweaty Rafa from the FO, 2017, heads their article, “Sweating May Be Why We Became the Dominant Species On Earth.” Have a read.
They could have named the article, “Sweating May Be Why Nadal Became One of the Most Dominant Tennis Players On Earth.” We all know of his prowess in best of five.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
Rafa prying that you will keep well and healthy,
and have a great tournament in Barcelona.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Good luck and Vamos Rafa <3
My translation of Rafa’s Q&A by as.com, April 23, 2018.
“Nadal arrived last night in Barcelona after winning the Monte-Carlo Masters 1,000 and will not train today.” 🤗🤗🤗👏👏👏
Q: What do you think of Djokovic’s presence in Barcelona?
A: It is a possibility he had after so much time out without competing. It is good for the tournament and Barcelona. His fans will thank him but it is bad news for his rivals.
Q: How do you feel after your Monte-Carlo victory?
A: I am very happy because I had a good week. I have good feelings; I won another ATP 1000 and to have done that at Monte-Carlo is special; happy to have finished the first tournament of the [clay] season without injury.
Q: How will you approach Barcelona?
A: Really complicated. It is the most difficult tournament of the ATP500 [series] and my position in the picture is especially difficult because all the matches are difficult and, I repeat, day by day it is the most important ATP500 in the world and this year yet more complicated.
Q: How would you define your level of play?
A: If I said I did not play good in Monte-Carlo, I would be lying. What I want is to maintain the level I showed there, playing many matches and to have the possibility to achieve that.
Q: What is the pressure of losing or gaining points?
A: Points are the results of good play. I don’t play to defend points. If I have decided to play in Barcelona it is because it is a unique opportunity and very special. Those are my motivations to give the maximum.
Points last for a year but I start from zero each season and what is important to me is the year-end ranking, the Race to London because that indicates how I did for the year. Points only serve to be at the head of [seeding] in tournaments.
End.
———-
Some articles have stated this year’s draw looks like the second week of a Grand Slam.
Knock them out Rafa!
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
Thank you!
You’re welcome RNF.
RAFAMAZING ROCKS
😍👏🏻🥇😘🍀
Very Happy that Rafa is back winning titles. Look forward to you becoming get 11th French Open.
Wishing you the very best of health and best of luck
Rafa, Congrats on your 11th Monte Carlo title. We, your fans believe you can do it all the way to your 11th French Open Title as well. Stay well and healthy. Vamos Rafael!
Congrats to Rafa for his 11th Monte Carlo win. May he stay healthy and injury free for the rest of his clay tournaments. VAMOS RAFA. Your the best tennis player out there.