Rafael Nadal has now spent a staggering 373 weeks as the World No. 2

Former World No. 1 and 22-time Grand Slam champion Rafael Nadal continues to produce big numbers in what is already an illustrious career. He has now spent 373 weeks as World No. 2 in the ATP rankings, which completely dwarfs the second-placed player on the list (Roger Federer, at 218 weeks).

Coincidentally, the Spaniard has spent the same number of weeks at World No. 2 as his arch-rival Novak Djokovic has spent at the World No. 1 position (both 373 weeks). Nadal has also spent 209 weeks as the top player in the sport.

The 36-year-old has ended the year as World No. 2 a record seven times in his career while finishing No. 1 five times. He also has a record of finishing in the top 10 for 891 weeks and counting.

"I would never tell him to stop" - Toni Nadal comments on his nephew's potential retirement from the sport

Rafael Nadal (L) and Roger Federer of Team Europe during the doubles match between Jack Sock and Frances Tiafoe at the Laver Cup 2022 - Day One

Toni Nadal, meanwhile, has revealed that he has never told his nephew to stop and retire from the sport amid his injury setbacks. He believes that a player should compete as long as he feels competitive.

"Never. I think that, as long as you feel competitive and have the luck to keep winning... What you like is playing tennis, there will be time to stop. Of course, if one is suffering more than necessary, there comes a time when you say you're leaving. But Rafael has not reached this situation," he said.

However, Toni acknowledged that the 22-time Grand Slam champion has had numerous injury setbacks in his career - and even this year.

"It is true that he has had different problems and this affects you in the end, but the main thing is that he wants to play. To the one who has that desire, I would never tell him to stop. If Federer had had the chance to play, he would have told him to do so. I never remember the great players for his final stage."

"I don't remember Seve or Tiger Woods when they played badly, I remember them when they played well, just like Federer or Rafael... There are people who are sometimes very demanding and want them to retire. No, as long as you can play and do what you like," he added.

Nadal is currently recovering from an abdominal muscle tear and is hopeful of playing the Nitto ATP Finals in Turin.