New ATP Rankings: How much longer can Rafael Nadal hang on to the World No.1 ranking?

As of April 28, Rafa has 12900 points, while Djokovic’s points remain unchanged at 11040. The difference between them is 1860 points. Djokovic has only 10 points to defend at Madrid. Djokovic could therefore potentially catch up to Rafa in Madrid or later in Rome, but he has to face the King of Clay in his own back yard to do so, and that’s a tall order to fulfill.  In the Race to London, Rafa currently stands at No.4, behind Stanislas Wawrinka, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer.

Rafa will have his chances to gain points at Wimbledon and after the US Open, when he has fewer points to defend and Djokovic will begin defending the majority of his points.

There is always a silver lining. Rafa is revered not because he is World No.1, but because of the person and sportsman he is. As we always say, once a champion, always a champion. What matters is that Rafa is healthy and enjoys competing. That’s what Rafa wants, and that’s what we want for him. Forever, Vamos Rafa!