I will not chase that at this stage of my career – Rafael Nadal on targeting the World No.1 rank

Rafael Nadal has admitted that he won’t be chasing the numero uno position in the ATP rankings at this stage of his career. Nadal achieved the World No.1 rank back in 2008 when he had beaten Roger Federer in an epic Wimbledon final.

Meanwhile, the veteran is currently in second place in the Pepperstone ATP rankings with 5810 rating points. Nadal’s compatriot and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz sit at the pinnacle of the rankings with 6730 points under his belt.

Nadal has a chance to regain the World No.1 rank if he goes all the way in the Paris Masters, provided Alcaraz is knocked out before the quarterfinal clash. Both the Spaniards will also be competing for supremacy in the upcoming Nitto ATP finals, which will be played in Turin from November 13.

“I do not fight to be No. 1 but to be competitive in every event I play. I will not chase that at this stage of my career. I had that goal in the past and was happy and proud when I achieved that for the first time in 2008,” Rafael Nadal said in the press conference.

Meanwhile, Nadal will be returning to action after a long hiatus. He last played a singles match during the fourth round defeat against America’s Frances Tiafoe. Subsequently, he had partnered with Roger Federer in the latter’s farewell match at the Laver Cup.

Nadal will play in the Round of 32 in the Paris Masters on Wednesday but his opponent is yet to be confirmed.

Meanwhile, Nadal has traveled for the first time since becoming the father. The Spaniard admitted that it was difficult to leave his family at home.

“Different approach to usual. Always has been tough to leave home, honestly. Yeah, it’s quite interesting how even after only two or three weeks, leaving your son at home and not be able to see him, how even with this after only three weeks knowing him, you start missing him, no?” Nadal said.