World number two Rafael Nadal has said that he felt no extra pressure heading into a semi-final at the China Open, that could help him reclaim the World No.1 ATP ranking.
According to Sport24, Nadal will now have to beat Czech fourth seed Tomas Berdych in Saturday's match to return to the top for the first time since July 2011.
He said that it was something that did not create more pressure and if it happens again, it would be special for him, but in the end it is just another match.
Current China Open champion Novak Djokovic has spent 101 weeks at number one, but can only remain top of the rankings if he reclaims his title and if Nadal fails to reach the final, the report said.
Nadal has not lost a hard court match all season, after he missed the opening few weeks of 2013 with a stomach virus, the report added.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app