World rankings: Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal create history
The upcoming ATP World Rankings update will list Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal as number one and number two respectively. A historic event.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit: Oct 01, 2022, 01:25 pm
Casper Ruud's defeat by Yoshihito Nishioka in the quarter-finals in Seoul is basically a surprise - but not overly so. Basically. Because: The Norwegian's defeat at the ATP 250 event means that Ruud will slip to second place in the world rankings. And make room for Rafael Nadal.
This means that Carlos Alcaraz and Rafael Nadal will lead the world rankings from Monday. And that is a historic event. For the first time it is the case that two Spaniards will lead the ATP world rankings. The last time two players from the same country took the places in the sun in the ATP charts was 22 years ago.
Nadal just ahead of Ruud
The last time this honor was given to the two Americans Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras was in 2000. The US dual leadership lasted for almost exactly three weeks. The Alcaraz-Nadal lead is also in danger, Ruud is only around 160 points behind Nadal in third place. And, unlike the Spaniard, will compete in Tokyo next week.
For Casper Ruud, in addition to the prospect of being able to climb back to second place soon, there is another consolation: The Norwegian has already qualified for the ATP finals in Turin by entering the round of eight in Seoul. As the third player - behind Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz.