Rafael Nadal is all set to compete with Roger Federer in the upcoming Laver Cup to defend the colors of Team Europe. This is at least what the King of Clay said during a press conference he had when back in Spain. The Laver Cup will be played over the weekend of the 20-22nd of September, and Team Europe seems to be the overwhelmed favorite to win the trophy for the 3rd consecutive year.
SCHEDULE. Will Nadal play in Shanghai or Bercy?
There is a big question mark about Rafa’s upcoming schedule. In fact, during the US Open, the Spanish sensation revealed that he planned to play only 2 events before the end of the year. Many thoughts that besides the Laver Cup, the Mallorcan would have chosen to compete in Shanghai and in London in the occasion of the ATP Finals. Rafa was not expected to play in Bercy because that ATP1000 will take place a few days after his wedding in Mallorca.
However, things looked different especially after Nadal won the US Open as he has a huge shot at ending the season as the new world no.1. This was probably not planned by Nadal at the beginning of 2019 especially after his initial struggles, but now it is a big reality.
I will play the Laver Cup and Paris, then…
During a recent press conference, Rafa revealed:
“It’s hard for me to tell my plans right now. I shot off after the final to the plane, and I didn’t have time to talk to the team. They arrived later in Palma and I hope that we have a conversation soon.
Anyway, to decide the calendar I have to wait to see how my body evolves. The immediate thing is to play the Laver Cup, which is planned. The next thing I do not know.
[I need to decide the] priority objectives from here at the end of the year and also with a view to the next one.
The Masters in Asia is still yet to be decided. The Masters in Paris-Bercy is what I have fixed.”
The race for the world no.1 rank
As mentioned, Rafa has great chances to end the season as the world no.1. The Spanish legend is leading Djokovic of almost 2000 points in the year to date rankings. Novak has been dealing with a nasty problem to his shoulder that made him retire from the US Open. Djokovic is scheduled to play in Tokyo and Shanghai, but there are doubts about it. If the Serb renounces to play in Asia, Rafa will almost for sure end 2019 at the top of the rankings if he competes in 1 Master ATP1000 and the ATP Finals.
Probably the right call will be to compete in Asia and then see what is going to be with his body and Novak. Later Nadal can decide if he wants to play in Bercy. However, Rafa has already confirmed his availability in France. Therefore, it is not going to be an easy one.
Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2019
Ranked no.2, Rafael played his last match on the 8th of September when he beat Daniil Medvedev 7-5 6-3 5-7 4-6 6-4 in the final in U.S. Open to win his 84th career title.
This year the Spaniard has a 47-6 win-loss record. Nadal conquered 4 titles in 2019 in Rome, at the French Open, in Montreal and at the U.S. Open. Rafael was the finalist at the Australian Open.
Rafael Nadal |
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