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Rafael Nadal is calling for changes to the ATP ranking system to protect players from excessive physical strain, Eurosport reported.
The 22-time Grand Slam champion wants the tour to move away from its current 52-week rolling points model. Under the existing rules, points earned at major tournaments or Masters events expire after one year, which can cause a player’s ranking to drop sharply if they miss significant time due to injury.
Nadal suggested that a two-year ranking cycle would provide more stability for athletes. This change would allow points to lose their value more slowly, offering a buffer for those facing physical setbacks.
“This would give the players a little more freedom to make better decisions, and at the same time, you would have more time for recovery in the event of an injury,” Nadal told Eurosport Deutschland.
The current system requires players to defend their points annually to maintain their standing. Nadal, who has voiced similar ideas throughout his career, argues that the pressure to compete while injured is a direct consequence of this structure.
By extending the period points remain active, the professional tour could potentially mitigate the “all or nothing” stakes currently associated with high-value tournaments. This would allow players to prioritize long-term health over immediate ranking protection.
Beyond the ranking system, Nadal expressed dissatisfaction with the recent expansion of several Masters 1000 events. Seven of the nine mandatory 1000-level tournaments have been extended to two-week formats, a move he believes adds unnecessary pressure to the circuit.
“The change is a mistake,” Nadal said, according to Eurosport Deutschland, citing the already intense workload managed by professional players.
The Spanish veteran also highlighted the physiological toll of the modern professional schedule, specifically pointing to the prevalence of hard court matches. He said that the tour’s heavy reliance on these surfaces contributes to significant physical costs for the athletes.
“In tennis, we play most of the time on a surface that is—let’s say—very taxing on the body and the joints. And we pay the price for that,” Nadal said.
He added that he is not aware of many other professional sports that utilize surfaces with such high physical demands.
| Feature | Current ATP System | Nadal’s Proposed System |
|---|---|---|
| Points Expiration | 52 weeks | Two years |
| Primary Goal | Annual performance tracking | Injury recovery and decision flexibility |
| Ranking Volatility | High (especially after injury) | Lower (slower point devaluation) |
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