The ATP circuit is now through its first half of the season as the second Grand Slam of the year ended. Rafael Nadal who yesterday won his 10th French Open title is now the leading favorite to end this season as the world no. 1. It's extraordinary how things are changing in men's tennis. After a first quarter entirely dominated by Roger Federer and his surge at the Australian Open, Indian Wells, and Miami, it seems that is Nadal's turn to ride the wave.
Don't forget that Nadal was always there despite Federer's success. The Spaniard was the runner-up in Melbourne, Acapulco, and Miami before crushing everything during the clay court swing.
While the dust on the European red clay court is still settling down, the momentum seems to put Nadal in a winning position for the upcoming months.
15th Grand Slam title and an undisputed spot in ATP Race
Winning his 10th French Open marked the end of a long-lasting drought for Nadal and it's also the dot that completed his comeback to the top of the game. After having a horrible season back in 2016, the 31-year-old tennis star is now at his peak of form while his competition is struggling. Yesterday's success also secured Nadal a spot for the ATP Finals as he surpassed the world tour finals qualification cut. The milestone is now at 6245 while the Spaniard has accumulated 6915 points this season.
Discovering new resources within himself might put Nadal in a position to dominate the men's tennis now that Novak Djokovic or Andy Murray are having some darker days struggling with form and poor results. Nadal will walk free of any debt as during the second part of the season will have nothing to worry about. Back in 2016, his schedule was short due to a wrist injury.
The world no. 1 could go into Nadal's pocket after Wimbledon
The first two seats in men's tennis are currently being held by Andy Murray with 9890 points while Nadal comes the second with a harvest of 7285. The gap represents roughly the amount Murray must defend at Queen's and Wimbledon combined. On the other side, Nadal will try to keep the momentum while entering the grass season.
As action will shift to a faster surface other contenders could emerge.
Alexander Zverev and Nick Kyrgios along with Roger Federer who will resume playing this week are names that could make a huge impact over the next few weeks. Watching Nadal dominating the clay court swing while Federer got his hands all over the hardcourt session could only make many think about the possibility of another blockbuster between these two greats at Wimbledon.
