Published on 01:00 AM, June 14, 2023

Nadal out of top 100 after 20 years

Photo: Reuters

While Novak Djokovic reclaimed the World No. 1 ranking from Carlos Alcaraz after winning a record 23rd Grand Slam title at the French Open, there were clear signs of the end of an era as Rafael Nadal dropped out of the top 100 and reached his worst position in the rankings since March of 2003, when he was just a 16-year-old.

Nadal, a 14-time French Open champion, has endured an injury-plagued season and not played since January because of a hip injury sustained during the Australian Open.

The 37-year-old has dropped from 15th to 136th in the rankings due to his continued absence from the tour. He underwent surgery earlier this month and is expected to be out for five months.

Meanwhile, Djokovic began his record-extending 388th week at the summit on Monday, jumping two places in the standings after his victory in Paris at the weekend. Alcaraz dropped to second place while Daniil Medvedev, who crashed out in the first round, also slid one place down to third. Roland Garros runner-up Casper Ruud remained in fourth place.

In the women's rankings, Iga Swiatek retained top spot after defending her French Open title. She has held the ranking since April 2022, moving to the summit following Ash Barty's retirement.