adminSerb’s hopes of ending 2013 as world No.1.
With the French Open looming large on the horizon, Nadal is back in the claycourt groove as he continues his comeback from a knee injury that sidelined him for seven months.
The Spaniard has won four titles in six tournaments since returning in Chile in February, finishing runner-up in the other two, yet remains in unfamiliar territory outside the world’s top four. Starting in Madrid next week, however, where he suffered a surprise third-round exit last year to compatriot Fernando Verdasco, fifth-ranked Nadal can start making inroads.
While the Mallorcan must defend 3 000 points at the Rome Masters and then at Roland Garros, where he will be chasing an eighth French Open title, the second half of the year looks like being a win-win situation for the 11-times grand slam champion.
A stunning second-round defeat by Czech Lukas Rosol at Wimbledon last year proved to be his final match of 2012, meaning the Spaniard will have six months to harvest ranking points and close the gap on those above him.
Djokovic is hoping to finish a third successive season as world No.1 but Brad Gilbert, former world number four and coach to Andre Agassi, believes Nadal has will be breathing down the Serb’s neck later this year. — AFP.
Online Reporter