Rafael Nadal was within striking distance of getting the number one ranking but the Spaniard failed to do so after going winless in his first two matches at the ATP Finals.
Nadal needed a strong performance in Paris to unseat Alcaraz as the number one player, but it never materialized. He required an even stronger performance at the ATP Finals, but again, it never materialized. As Nadal revealed following his defeat to Auger-Aliassime, attaining the top spot was never his intention, and he still doesn't see it as such going ahead.
"Probably you only heard one part of the answer," said Nadal suggesting that it was mostly media narrative that drove the story.
"Of course, finish the season as World No. 1, it's a great achievement. Would be an amazing achievement at this stage of my career. But on the other hand, I say that I will never be following that goal again."
In the future, Nadal won't play a full schedule since doing so needs a lot of dedication, which his body can no longer do. With so many young players competing in five or even ten additional events each year, reaching the top spot becomes incredibly challenging and nearly impossible.
"That happens, because the situation brings me to that position, fantastic. But my body, my age, my personal situation don't allow me to follow that goal any more, no? Winning two slams was not enough. Of course, was not enough because I was not able to play. I don't know how many tournaments I played, 10, 11, maybe 12. Finished maybe nine, 10, in good conditions," concluded Nadal.
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