My focus is not on the Number One ranking any more: Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

Nine-time French Open champion Rafael Nadal has said that it is no longer his aim to be the number one ranked player in the world. The 28-year-old had an injury plagued 2014 and will be hoping to have a better time in 2015. Nadal, who is currently ranked third in the world, said that he won't consciously look to be number one in the world and if he reaches that position, courtesy some good results, then he would be fine with it.

“For me it won’t be a goal in my career anymore. If I have become No. 1 because of the results I have, it’s great. But I’m not going to pursue this objective. I will follow my schedule,” The 14-time Grand Slam champion told in an interview to French Television while promoting his new tennis academy.

Goal is to prolong my career: Nadal

He further added that his main goal is on extending his playing career for as many years as possible and he doesn’t want to put his best years in doubt, by going behind the number one spot.

“My big goal is to play as many years as possible. What I won’t do is put at risk the best years of my career to get the No. 1 spot,” he said.

The Mallorcan will take part in the Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi, followed by the Doha ATP event.