Rafael Nadal didn’t win the 2024 Bastad Open, but he will climb in the new ATP Rankings.
One of the most challenging parts of comebacks for tennis players is regaining their ranking after injuries. The protected ranking is a measure used by ATP and WTA to help players return to tournaments based on their prior ranking.
But the limited availability of this measure causes concern for many players who end up in lower-tier events. This is not the case for former Grand Slam winners like Nadal.
Nadal, being a legend in tennis, would likely receive wildcards to tournaments due to his popularity.
There are positives for Nadal as he climbs the rankings through direct entry into tournaments, rather than relying on wildcards or protected rankings.
Despite losing in the 2024 Bastad Open final to Nuno Borges, Nadal will gain ranking points for his performance in the ATP 250 tournament.
As the runner-up, Nadal will earn 165 ATP ranking points, improving from his previous ranking of World No. 261 to 161st.
Following the final, Nadal focused on the positives in his game and congratulated his opponent, Nuno Borges, for his victory.
“Many congratulations to Nuno. You’ve been playing great during the whole week, so you deserve it more than anyone else here. Congratulations and enjoy your moment, it’s always special winning a title. I wish you all the very best for the rest of the season.”
“I have been here for the week enjoying this amazing place. I really had fun on court, played some very long matches. Today wasn’t my best day, but all the credit to Nuno. He played very well and it was so difficult for me, so well done.”
