The Spaniard began his top-10 journey in April 2005 and persevered through all the challenges to spend nearly 18 years in the exclusive company.
In comparison to Nadal's Top 10 ATP rankings streak, only one other woman, Martina Navratilova, has spent exactly 1,000 more continuous weeks in the Top 10 of the WTA rankings.
Since the Australian Open, the 22-time Grand Slam winner has missed matches due to a left hip flexor illness and withdrew from competitions in Miami and Indian Wells.
And there it is:
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) March 20, 2023
After an incredible streak of 934 weeks--falling just a single month short of 18 years--Rafael Nadal has slipped outside the top 10, which he first entered on April 25, 2005. pic.twitter.com/RllZXnNwT1
Nadal suffered a hip flexor injury in January while losing to American Mackenzie McDonald in the second round of the Australian Open. According to event promoters, Rafael Nadal plans to return from a hip injury at the clay-court Monte Carlo Masters next month. Beginning on April 8, the Monte Carlo Masters will feature Nadal, according to event director David Massey.
Including an Open Era record run of eight straight victories from 2005 to 2012, Nadal has won the tournament a record 11 times.
The French Open, which is held from May 28 to June 11, is a major component of the 36-year-old Spaniard's preparations.
Nadal has won 14 of his major championships on clay at Roland Garros, including last year, despite suffering from persistent discomfort in his left foot.