No.1 Nadal calls for big change to rankings system

He's guaranteed to be the new world No.1, but Rafael Nadal says he doesn't like the way tennis's rankings system works.

With the news that Roger Federer has pulled out of the Cincinnati Open with a back injury, Nadal will be the new world No.1 in next week's rankings.

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The Spaniard will return to the top spot for the first time since July 2014, but in a surprising twist, has called for a big change to the way the rankings work.

Nadal reckons the rankings should span two years, rather than one, allowing players to manage their busy schedules better.

"I've said in the past it [the schedule] didn't work but it will be better to manage the schedule — to have a better schedule — to have a ranking for two years.

"Two-year ranking, not one-year ranking. That’s going to protect the players and help the players to have periods to find windows for rest.

"Having a one-year ranking, it’s always that if you want to be in a good position in the ranking, you cannot rest much."

Nadal pointed to the fact that current No.1 Andy Murray now loses his top mantle as he battles to overcome injury in time for the US Open.

Federer also took time away from the tour during the clay-court season, and arguably deserves to be No.1 himself.

"If you are Federer, Novak (Djokovic) or even myself and Andy, we are able to manage it that when we come back we have been winning lots of matches, then you can do it. But in general terms, with injuries and being older, it doesn’t help a lot.

"The schedule is the same, the only thing is that players are playing longer and when you are getting older, you need to find periods [of rest] because mentally, physically, you need it."

Nadal has spent 141 weeks at No.1 since first ascending there after reaching the Western and Southern semi-finals in 2008.

"It's been tough to get back to No.1," Nadal said.

"I'm happy to have the chance to be in that position."

Nadal will get his Cincinnati campaign underway against veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet in the second round.

with AAP