Nadal #1 For How Long?

Question

Even if Nadal somehow gets stumped before the semis in Cincinnati he will by all likelihood claim #1 this year at the U.S. Open.

That said, how many weeks will he hold it?

Let me make this clear, I'm looking for good reasoning, not just number of weeks, if you think you're going to get picked because you say 1 week you're wrong.

I'd like some good reasoning.

And we're talking consecutive weeks.

Answer 1

I see him holding it for maybe 150weeks.

Answer 2

If Federer could get his act together he can reclaim the #1 by the end of the year. Remember form is temporary. Nadal has a lot of form right now, but he can't keep up this level forever.

Nadal has a big lead in the ATP race. But Federer has points to gain in Madrid and Paris. And of course there's the Masters Cup. If losing the #1 ranking can somehow stir up Federer, I won't bet against him reclaiming it by the end of the year. But that's a big IF.

If Nadal takes the #1 ranking into next year, again he has all those points to defend, and Federer has A LOT of points to gain, because let's face it folks, he stunk it up all year.

Somehow I see Nadal as being like Boris Becker. In 1989 Becker had to really work hard for the #1 ranking. He won WImbledon and hte US Open and Lendl was still #1. But when Becker finally got it, his game just started to go downhill. Nadal has a lot of form, but he is not virtuoso like Federer. His game was not really designed for longevity.

Answer 3

hasta los 27 o 28

Answer 4

We if it is over for Roger and he doesn't fight back then I can see Rafa at number one until his body can't hold up any longer so lets say 365 weeks - 600 weeks. Lets face it he owns the clay, and is amazing now on grass but how long can he maintain at that level.

Is anyone else good enough to take it from him...NO not at the present time.

Fed has stunk all year but is still the greatest so he may snap out of his funk before year end like Dr.D says.

Djokovic is a joke so let's hope no one says he is any kind of a threat.

Rafa's biggest threats are Murray, Gasquet, Simon, Wawrinka if they can stay healthy and fit and improve their mental games I can see our future top 3 in that mix. Or at least 1 & 2 perhaps Novak at #3 until he gets injured or past it.

Answer 5

If he wins at Cincinnati then he will be 1. Most likely to happen since Federer lost an hour ago.

Answer 6

I'd say atleast till the end of next Wimbledon. He don't have muchn points to defend at the end of this year or early hardcourt season next year when compared to Federer. Unless he gets injured, he will do fine at clay. So he should keep it atleast till the end of grass season. I hope he does well there also and keeps much longer though

Answer 7

Alright. First off, I believe he will claim the #1 ranking in Cincinnati. If he doesn't, you're right... he'll get it during the US Open. Nadal would probably hold it not just for weeks, but 1-2 years. You see, Djokovic and Federer are starting to struggle. Federer's explainable, but I don't know why Djokovic is having so much trouble.  

Answer 8

I'd say he will hold it till Wimbledon next year (Aug 4 08-July 8 09) or about 48 weeks or so. He will defend his points all the way through the claycourt season and then start losing ground at Queens/Wimbledon as Djokovic gets more experience and more points from his lack lustre performace in the latter half of 2008 and Federer has no pressure.  He will lose it temporarily to Djokovic or Federer and then toggle between Djokovic and himself for the top spot for the next 4 years. He won't beat Federer's record of weeks at the top or # of Grand Slams in his career. His playing style is not built for longevity or hard courts. But he will win a ton in the next 3 years. I'd say 7 French Opens, 3 Wimbledons and an Aussie Open before he is done.

Answer 9

another 2 -3 yrs , with federer losing his game , and no one less to give him competition

Answer 10

maybe he'll be #1 for the rest of the year 'couse he doesn't have many points to defend and roger has a lot, and depending on how he does in the Australian open he can loose it there, if he doesn't then, then i don't know 'cause the rankings system changes next year and i don't understand it well, so maybe he'll be #1 until next year's australian open

Answer 11

30-40 weeks

Answer 12

I would give him only till the Australian Open and then that would be the end of it. Not sure what that # is.  I don't think he can go all that far in the USO, and maybe Djoko would win that one. Which sickens me that I can't even say Roger will do it. But.. who knows.

But the rest of the year is essentially hard court, and Rafa's body can't take it, he even said so.

EVEN if Rafa ends up holding it for an entire year, which i doubt, I think Roger will come back and scoop up his rightful Crown again. Whatever is causing Roger's strange slump, I sure hope he gets out of it fast, because he is such an incredible player and it would be a huge pity to lose him.  

Answer 13

For goodness sake he is not even number 1 yet and already people are thinking ahead as to how long it will last!!!!!

Ok i'll try and answer...

No sorry I can't even think about it right now!! But one thing I predict for sure is it won't last as long as Federers reign of 4 and 1/2 years. But even then I am not sure. He could be number 1 on-and-off for a fair few years to come-But I don't think consecutively for as long as Federer. I am sure Djokovic may have a week or two atleast. And also lets not totally rule out Roger. Hopefully he can regain confidence and form and make it really competitive. The rivalry could be just beginning but also could be ending...That is down to Roger.