Rafael Nadal discusses the No. 1 ranking, which he has a chance to regain based on his results at the U.S. Open and in the fall indoor season.
“I don't see a negative point [to being No. 1],” Nadal said. “When you are No. 1 is because you are winning tournaments, because you are playing great, because you are healthy, and at the end because you are enjoying what are you doing. Because without a good attitude, without health, you cannot be No. 1. Being No. 1 at the end of the season is for sure one of the most difficult things on this sport for so many facts, because the season is long. To be No. 1 at the end of the season is a special thing. Just a few people had the chance to do it. Being No. 1 is very important.
Nadal added that he was disappointed some former No. 1s did not show for the ATP's 40-year celebration of the top ranking Friday night in New York. Nineteen former No. 1s did, including Nadal, but six did not, including Boris Becker, Patrick Rafter, Thomas Muster, Marat Safin, and Americans Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi. Other former American No. 1s Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Jim Courier and Andy Roddick did attend.
"[The ATP] event was great. A little bit sad that some players, a lot of important players in the history of the sport was not there, but was great to be there in that you group with a lot of people that I admired a lot since I was a kid.”