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Rafael Nadal out of top 10 for first time since 2005

Nadal could make a comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters next month

By Web Desk

March 21, 2023

Nadal dropped four places to 13th in the rankings — AFP

The 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal slipped out of the top 10 for the first time since 2005 on Monday after not being able to feature in the Indian Wells tournament.

Injury forced Nadal to skip the Masters 1000 event in California, where he played the final last year. The Spaniard is recovering from a hip issues, which also led to his Australia Open exit in the second round in January.

After losing 600 points from Indian Wells, Nadal dropped four places to 13th in the rankings — ending his record 912-week stay inside the top 10.

However, Nadal could make a comeback at the Monte Carlo Masters next month ahead of the French Open, which he has won 14 times over the course of his illustrious career.

World number four Casper Ruud, who was defeated by Nadal in the Roland Garros final last year, said he would not be shocked to see the ‘King of Clay’ lift the trophy once again.

"It wouldn't surprise me because he'll probably use these weeks and these months, as he's preparing for exactly Roland Garros," Ruud told Eurosport as part of the 'Ruud Talk' series.

"It doesn't matter if he loses in Monte Carlo or Rome or Madrid. The only thing that's probably on his mind these days is just to be fit, be healthy and be ready for Roland Garros."