Djokovic after number two still number one by signing Nadal in Paris Now

Novak Djokovic is ranked first in the world rankings by Rafael Nadal. The Spaniard retired Wednesday for the Masters tournament in Paris. The new Serbian commander could qualify for first place in the ATP rankings after only two years.

"I have a stomach ache a few days ago," Nadal said at a press conference. "I have a lot of trouble serving."

"The doctor advised me not to play, it's a shame, but I must follow his advice to prevent the worst from happening," said Nadal, who had his compatriot Fernando Verdasco Wednesday afternoon.

Djokovic reached the third round in Paris on Tuesday, defeating Portuguese Joao Sousa in two sets: 7-5 and 6-1. In the third round, he meets Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.

This 31-year-old Serbian was the captain of the world ranking for the last time two years ago. On November 6, 2016, he had to give way to Andy Murray. In total, he is the world number one for 223 weeks. Only Roger Federer (310), Pete Sampras (286), Ivan Lendl (270) and Jimmy Connors (268) were at the top longer.

Monday – when ATP will release the new world rankings – Djokovic will return to the top after only two years. standing. He had to succeed better than Nadal in Paris to bring down the Spaniard from the throne.

Djokovic was still number 22 in June

Nadal, 32, was number one for 196 weeks and had been in the ATP rankings ever since. June 24 without interruption. After the US Open in September, where he had knee injury in the semifinals, the Grand Slam winner 17 times no longer came in.

Djokovic has experienced a lot of problems in the last two years due to an elbow injury. In June, he was 22nd in the world rankings. Earlier this year, he won his first Grand Slam title at Wimbledon since the 2016 Roland Garros.

With the Cincinatti Masters, the US Open and the Shanghai Masters, Djokovic has won the last three tournaments he has participated. The fourteen-time Grand Slam winner has won his last nineteen games in a row.

Nadal is not the only player to retire in Paris on Wednesday. Milos Raonic, who was facing Roger Federer, was also injured.