"Martina Navratilova has that record and not Nadal" - Tennis fans annoyed with Spaniard's top-10 record not compared to WTA stars
Rafael Nadal's reign in the top 10 of the ATP rankings is finally nearing its end after 18 long years as the Spaniard's withdrawal from Indian Wells will force him down the standings.
Nadal has now completed 912 weeks inside the top 10 since breaking into the list back in 2005. While he broke Jimmy Connors' record of 789 consecutive weeks in 2010, the Spaniard is yet to overcome Martina Navratilova's 1,000 weeks if records from both ATP and WTA tours are compared.
While several fans, critics and even players have opined that such comparisons are senseless, the media was keen to bring up Steffi Graf's record for most weeks as World No. 1 when Novak Djokovic matched her accomplishment.
Tennis fans have pointed out the double standards of the media as they feel that the record of WTA players should be brought up in the Spaniard's case as well.
"Since tennis media thought it was OK comparing Djokovic's record of most week at No.1 with Staffi Graf, Martina Navratilova has that above-mentioned record and not Nadal," wrote one user on Twitter.
@josemorgado Since Tennis Media thought it was OK comparing Djokovic's record of most week at No.1 with Staffi Graf,
Martina Navratilova has that above mentioned record and not Nadal
Another fan wrote:
"Actually, it's Djokovic's records people have problems with. It's funny how nobody compares Nadal's records to WTA players achievements, but if Djokovic achieves something, it goes into debate and discussion immediately"
@write2swagatam @josemorgado Actually, it's Djokovic's records people have problems with. It's funny how nobody compares Nadal's records to WTA players achievements, but if Djokovic achieves something, it goes into debate and discussion immediately.
Here are a few other fan reactions:
@josemorgado Sorry, Martina Navratilova has the record.
@josemorgado I don't like her but @Martina holds the record.😌
@josemorgado Where are the women NOW? 😂
@josemorgado Nah
The record still with Navratilova https://t.co/0QP3gMc8lS
@josemorgado Wait what? So now we dont compare men and women stats?🤷🏼♂️😂😂😂
@josemorgado Funny how they dont compare it to Navratilovas record but every record Djokovic holds they do.
@josemorgado Nadal failed to break the record of @Martina
She had been top 10 player for exactly 1000 weeks
@josemorgado What about the women? Thought we were doing both now?
"It's incredible consistency" - Novak Djokovic on Rafael Nadal's long run inside the top 10
While tennis fans will argue about the double standards of the media, the two players themselves have nothing but respect for each other.
During a press conference at the Dubai Tennis Championships after losing against Daniil Medvedev in the semi-finals on Friday, Djokovic gave his thoughts on the Spaniard's run in the top 10.
"It's incredible consistency. He has been well-known for that over the years. Yeah, just full respect for him. Just being able to for almost 20 years be in top 10, that's unheard of, honestly. It speaks about the quality of the tennis, just his consistency throughout the year, playing well on all surfaces," he stated.
Back in January, the World No. 8 congratulated the Serb for lifting the 2023 Australian Open.
"Congrats, Nole, to you and your team for this great achievement. Enjoy the moment," he wrote on Instagram.
Rafael Nadal has not been in action on tour since his second-round exit at the Australian Open owing to a hip injury.