'It's clear that it's not a goal' - Rafael Nadal's ambition isn't to become world No. 1 claims coach Carlos Moya

Rafael Nadal’s priority is being fit for upcoming Grand Slams and not returning to the top of the ATP world rankings, his coach Carlos Moya has stressed. Nadal suffered a shock exit at the fourth round of the US Open following defeat to Frances Tiafoe — but he’s still in with a chance of reaching the top spot for the first time in over two years. Ad The race to reach world No.

1 took another twist after Nadal bowed out of the US Open on Monday. But the Spaniard is still one of three players in the frame for the coveted top spot in the ATP rankings. TennisRaducanu and Murray could team up for Great Britain in new mixed tournament7 HOURS AGO The ATP world rankings — in operation since 1973 and allowing for historical comparisons across eras — were headed by Daniil Medvedev on 6,880 points ahead of the tournament.

Nadal started the competition in second with 5,630 points thanks to his two major wins at the Australian Open and French Open in 2022. His fate is now out of his hands, but Nadal could still return to No. 1 for the first time since February 2020 if neither Carlos Alcaraz nor Casper Ruud make the final of the US Open.

Casper Ruud holds nerve to overcome Matteo Berrettini and keep maiden US Open dream alive Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner and Frances Tiafoe — 'their time has come' says John McEnroe However, Nadal’s mind is focused only on returning to full fitness, according to Moya. “Being number one again has a lot of value; ending the year at the top of the rankings, even more so,” Moya told the ATP. “If you look at his schedule, it’s clear that it’s not a goal.