Nadal's Stuttgart withdrawal needed for year end No.1 ranking?

Question

I think it was smart for Nadal to withdraw so that he can save his knees for the hardcourt season (and prolong his career as well). Last year, he really got injured playing Stuttgart after Wimbledon and had a miserable time in the US. Anybody know how many points he will lose by not defending Stuttgart? I think he would fare better in the hardcourts this year to make those up. But what does he need to do at the minimum to make up the 500+ points to overtake Roger by the Master's cup (besides Roger losing early which is probably not going to happen)? Expecting him to win the US Open is unrealistic since both Djokovic and Federer have the upper hand on hardcourts for now. Even Nalbandian (when he has his head on straight), Tsonga, Berdych, Blake and other aggressive players have better luck with Nadal on hard courts. Is reaching the semis enough? Rafa so deserves the No.1 but there is that little hurdle called the computer....

Answer 1

When I read he wasnt playing, I was relieved for the guy. he deserves a break, not just for his huge win, but for his body. He took a few falls this Wimbledon, and why risk being out of the game for an extended period of time. Stuttgart, he wont lose that many points, for it isnt a big tourney where one can gain much ground, or for that matter lose ground either. If Almagro is the top seed, well, that says enough. I look forward though to seeing how Nadal has adjusted his game to the hard courts this summer. Love this guy.

Answer 2

by not defending stuttgart nadal will lose 250 pts. and his margin with federer will be about 750 points...

i think it is hard for nadal to be #1 player by the end of the year. maybe nadal has to win US Open to be #1...(hope he don't meet djokovic in semi)

hope nadal can meet federer in 2008 US Open final :)

Answer 3

I was glad to read that Nadal withdrew from Stuttgart - my concern was that he might get injured after playing almost continuous tennis for the last four months. The main clay season really ended after RG, and he must mentally and physically prepare for the hard courts.  Also, he needs to savor that wonderful victory. I think Rafa's withdrawal will help him achieve the year end no.1 ranking because with rest comes renewed energy and focus. Nadal is fully capable of dominating on American hard courts if he continues to play the aggressive brand of tennis that won him the Wimbledon title. Last year, he beat both Roddick and Novak in straight sets to win at Indian Wells. This year he beat James Blake twice.