Rafael Nadal is the only obstacle in Novak Djokovic’s way to the Year-End World No.1 ranking

Rafael Nadal is the only obstacle in Novak Djokovic’s way to the Year-End World No.1 ranking
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

World No.1 Novak Djokovic requires just a few more wins to secure the year-end world number one position. The Serbian is most likely to score these wins in the Vienna Open. The tournament is underway and Djokovic has already reached the quarter-finals. The Serbian is the No.1 seed in Erste Bank Open and remains the favourite to lift the title at the end of the week.

If the Serb succeeds in doing so, this will be his 6th time ending the year at the top ranking. Further, this will allow him to tie with the tennis champion, Pete Sampras’ record. His only obstacle is his biggest rival and the current World No.2, Rafael Nadal. 

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The threat that Rafa poses for Djokovic

Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic

Lo and behold, Rafa is in Djokovic’s way again. If Nadal doesn’t take a wildcard into the upcoming tournament in Sofia, Djokovic will end the year at the top of the ATP rankings. This will allow Nole to get closer to Roger Federer’s record as well. Federer has remained as the World No.1 for 310 weeks. On the other hand, Nole is trailing right behind him with his 292 weeks at the top rank.

Rafa is the only player to have a chance against Djokovic if he scores his win in Vienna. None of the other players have the points that this duo has. The Spaniard is down to take part in the Paris Masters, followed by the year-end ATP World Tour Finals. He will need to secure a wildcard at ATP Sofia Open as well. This is the only way that he will give himself a chance to finish up as the World No.1 again instead of Novak. 

The Sofia Open is a part of the ATP World Tour 250 series and is scheduled to take place from 7th-14th November. Very much like Djokovic who announced his return to Vienna after a 13-year hiatus, Nadal might spring the decision that he’ll partake in this tournament at the last minute.

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