The Spanish tennis player Rafa Nadal assured that his compatriot Carlos Alcaraz has earned being number one in the world in the ATP ranking, and predicted that the Norwegian Casper Ruud, with whom he starred in an exhibition match in Quito this Sunday, will also reach that position soon. During a press conference held in Plaza San Francisco, in the historic center of the capital of Ecuador, Nadal, who currently occupies number two in the ATP ranking, considered that it will be difficult for the two Spaniards to remain in charge of the the world ranking. “I don’t think it’s going to be a trend. It is difficult to maintain such a high level. I play very few events at this point, so it is difficult to maintain a very high ranking because you have to be very successful in the events where you compete”Nadal commented.
“Carlos has incredible potential and that’s why He is where he is, because he deserves it, and he is also very young and has a lot ahead of him. Casper was very close to being number one in the world and winning his first Grand Slam at the United States Open”, added the Mallorcan tennis player. Nadal, the only tennis player who has 22 Grand Slam titles to his credit, preferred not to define himself as the best in history. ”I don’t think about it. I think it is something that takes a backseat, ”he noted. “The important legacy is that all the people I have lived with during these 20 years of my career have good human memories of me. At the end of the day, the personal issue, education, respect and affection with which you can treat people is above the professional issue, because it is what remains over time, “he added.
For his part, Ruud, who has trained at Nadal’s academy, assured that “You can learn everything from Rafa, from any type of shot to mentality and professionalism.” “When I arrived at the academy I was surprised by the intensity of each training session, and that has helped me to increase the intensity that I put into each practice. Rafa’s team and her family are incredible. They have always been with me and they do a spectacular job with a young community,” Ruud said.
“Rafa was my idol growing up. A lot of people know if he’s followed my career, so I was very flattered to be a part of this tour. I was very excited for weeks.”, pointed out the Norwegian. The current number three in the ATP ranking recalled that he was already in Quito a few years ago to play a tournament, for which he pointed out that “it is very special” to now be back in the capital of Ecuador in the company of Rafa Nadal.
