RANKING PREVIEW. How Djokovic can snatch the world no.1 rank from Nadal after the Australian Open

The two will continue jostling for the number one position after an exciting race last season.

Djokovic Nadal

Last season, the race to end the year as the world number one went down to the wire. Rafael Nadal took over the position from Novak Djokovic after the Paris Masters. The position was up for grabs heading into the ATP Finals in London. Rafa managed to fend off Djokovic’s challenge and ended the year as number one for the fifth time in his career.

Djokovic closes the gap on Nadal

The duel has resumed this season, and the Serbian could overtake his Spaniard rival at the top of the standings after the Australian Open. Novak gained ground on Nadal after he led his country to the ATP Cup. The two met in the final of the inaugural tournament where Djokovic prevailed. He defeated The current world No. 1 in their singles match before sealing the title with a doubles match victory. After the tournament, the world No.2 now trails Nadal by only 540 points in the rankings.

Possible paths to the number one ranking for Djokovic

With the Australian Open starting next week, Djokovic will aim to leapfrog Nadal in the rankings. He can take over the position by winning the title and hope his rival does not advance to the semifinals. However, a semifinal appearance by Rafa will enable him to keep the position. The two were the finalists at the competition last season. The Serbian overcame in straight sets the Spaniard to win his seventh Australian Grand Slam, the most by a player at the tournament. Nadal and Djokovic each won two Grand Slam titles last season.

If Djokovic becomes number one, he will continue his march on Federer’s record of most consecutive weeks spent at the number one position. He is currently third on the list with 275 weeks at the position. Pete Sampras is second with 286 weeks while the Swiss holds the record with 310 weeks. He won’t be the only player aiming to catch up with Federer’s many records. Nadal can tie the Swiss player’s record of 20 career Grand Slams with a victory in Australia. Djokovic will also inch closer to the Grand Slam record if he can win his 17th major title. As the tournament draws closer, there have been concerns about the quality of air due to the continuing wildfires in the country. Some players have threatened to pull out of the tournament due to health concerns. However, tournament organizers have insisted that the tournament will continue as planned.

Novak Djokovic’s ranking and performance in 2020

Novak Djokovic Stats info

Ranked world no.2, the Serbian played his last match on the 12th of January when he defeated Rafael Nadal 6-2 7-64 in the final in the ATP Cup to win his 78th career title.

At present, this year Djokovic has a 6-0 win-loss record. The Serbian has won 1 title in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney.

Rafael Nadal’s ranking and performance in 2020

Rafael Nadal Stats info

Ranked no.1, Nadal played his last contest on the 12th of January when he lost to Novak Djokovic 6-2 7-64 in the final in the ATP Cup.

Rafael Nadal’s most significant result of the year was getting to the final in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal played each other 55 times. The head to head is 29-26 for Djokovic.

The last time that they played, Novak Djokovic won 6-2 7-64 in the final in Brisbane, Perth, Sydney (ATP Cup) on the 12th of January 2020.

In the following video you can watch the key moments of their match.

Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal

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