Rafael Nadal says he is not focused on ending the season ranked world number one, as he makes his ATP singles return in Paris on Wednesday.
The 22-time Major champion has not played in singles since losing to Frances Tiafoe at the US Open.
Nadal in his pre tournament press conference said ‘let one thing be clear, I no longer fight to be number 1. I just fight to be competitive in all the events I compete in. I’ve been fighting to be so for a long time and I’ve already achieved it’
The Spaniard has been year-end number one on five occasions. He is currently second in the ATP race to Turin, behind his much younger compatriot, Carlos Alcaraz.
Nadal and his wife Maria Francisca Perello became parents to a baby boy several weeks ago. He also spoke candidly in press about the difficulties of travelling on tour without him.
‘To be honest, leaving home is always difficult,’ he remarked. ‘However, my situation is different now. Missing my 3-week-old son is a different experience for me. You have to adapt to it. We’re lucky to be able to video chat whenever we want, though.’
Nadal is still searching for his first title in Paris-Bercy. He comes into the tournament having already won two Major titles this season, but has noticeably struggled throughout his career on indoor courts.
The 36-year-old has also suffered from some physical issues in 2022, managing a foot problem and having to withdraw from Wimbledon with an abdominal tear.
When asked about his fitness in Paris, Nadal said ‘it’s always an issue when
you are not — I mean, in older bodies like my one, it’s easier to know how the things are going when you are playing tournaments in a row. It’s true that it has been an amazing year in terms of results, but at the same time it is true that it has been a tough year in
terms of injuries.‘
He will begin his campaign in Paris on Wednesday against Tommy Paul or Roberto Bautista Agut, and could face Novak Djokovic in the semi-finals.
Nadal is also set to appear in the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin, where he is also seeking his first title.
