That’s because Novak Djokovic’s exit at the US Open fourth round has meant the race for the year-end world No 1 is now in Nadal’s hands.
Nadal entered the US Open with a huge deficit to Djokovic in the race to become world No 1.
But with Djokovic failing to even get near to defending his 2018 title, he is set to lose a bunch of points come the end of the tournament.
But there are still a number of 500 and Masters 1000 events remaining before the ATP Finals, meaning plenty of points are on offer.
However, Nadal has only planned to play in two events – the Shanghai Masters and Paris Masters – due to him tying the knot with Xisca Perello on October 19.
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But former British tennis star Rusedski thinks Nadal may reschedule his plans over the next few months if he ends up winning at Flushing Meadows.
“I thought the battle was going to be between Rafa and Novak,” he said on Amazon Prime
“But now it looks like it’s going to be Federer and Nadal in the final.
“If Rafa wins, he’s at 19 – one away from Roger.
“You can give him the French next year because he just doesn’t seem to ever lose there.
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“But if Roger wins, he keeps his distance of three and five to Novak Djokovic…
“But also this man [Nadal], he’s trying to go for year-end No 1.
“He’s ahead of the race of Novak Djokovic.
“He’s planning to only play two events before the end of the season because he’s going to get married.
“He might change that schedule if he wins this event.”
