OK, I’m exaggerating but it got your attention! That said, while I don’t think anyone expected Novak to ever have a year like 2011 again (few players have), it seems that he’s even a step behind 2012, at least to date.<\/p>\n
First of all, it should be noted that Nadal is now #1 in the Race to London rankings – despite missing the Australian Open. But let’s take a look at Novak’s performances in the last three years through Rome:<\/p>\n
2011:
\nSlams: W
\nATP 1000: W, W, A, W, W<\/p>\n
2012:
\nSlams: W
\nATP 1000: SF, W, F, QF, F<\/p>\n
2013:
\nSlams: W
\nATP 1000: SF, 4R, W, 2R, QF<\/p>\n
So as you can see, his ATP 1000 record is quite diminished; as in 2012, he had a W, SF, and QF, but in 2012 he had two Final losses to a 4R and 2R loss in 2013. That’s the difference.<\/p>\n
A cause for concern? I don’t think so. But A) I do think that Rafa needs to be taken seriously for the #1 ranking this year, and B) The gap between Novak and everyone else might not be as large as previously thought. In 2011 he was the clear #1, last year he and Federer were about even, and this year it seems that he and Rafa are going to duke it out for best in the game.<\/p>\n
If Rafa wins Roland Garros it should be a very interesting dog-fight to the finish. Rafa would really need to win Wimbledon as well, which he has a better chance at than the US Open. If Novak wins one of the French Open or Wimbledon I think he’s got it.<\/p>\n