Rafael Nadal hasn’t played quite as much – Tim Henman reveals why Spaniard doesn’t deserve to be No.1 even if he wins French Open 2022

Former British number one Tim Henman reckons Rafael Nadal doesn’t deserve to be the new World no.1 in ATP rankings even if goes on to win the ongoing French Open 2022. Every Major’s win has a weightage of 2000 points in the ATP rankings system and if Nadal wins his 14th Roland Garros title, he will have a total of 7525 points behind World no.1 Novak Djokovic (8660) and Daniil Medvedev (7980).

Nadal is currently at fifth place in the rankings with 5525 points. Meanwhile, Nadal had a dream start to the season as he won the Melbourne Summer Set before winning his 21st Slam title at the Australian Open by beating Daniil Medvedev in a five-set thriller. He also went on to win the Mexican Open before losing to Taylor Fritz in the Indian Wells final.

Nadal was ruled out of action due to a stress fracture in his rib and then had to face trouble with a chronic foot injury. Ergo, the Spaniard didn’t have the ideal preparation for French Open 2022 as he didn’t play a lot of matches on clay. Furthermore, Rafael Nadal missed the second half of the previous season due to his foot injury. ​ ​ ​ ​

Tim Henman said while talking to Eurosport, “I understand the way the world ranking system works. If Rafa were to win Roland Garros then with two Slams under his belt this year, he’s definitely been the best player.

“But it’s a 52-week period, Rafa hasn’t played quite as much tennis. “At the end of the day the points, the ranking points, don’t lie and whoever comes out on top week in and week out thoroughly deserves it.”

Meanwhile, Rafael Nadal has once again surprised a lot of Tennis boffins as he has qualified for his 36th major semifinal (15th at French Open).

The veteran, who is celebrating his 36th birthday today (3rd June), had bested the World no.1 Novak Djokovic in the quarterfinal clash to avenge his previous edition’s loss in the semifinals.

With Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz out of the French Open 2022, Rafael Nadal is clearly the favorite to clinch his 14th title in Paris. The lefty will face Germany’s Alexander Zverev in the semifinals at Phillipe-Chartier court on Friday.