Rafael Nadal will make his long-awaited comeback when the 2024 season begins. Confirmed to participate in the Brisbane International, he will also feature in the Australian Open. However, his low rank means he cannot directly qualify and will use his Protected Ranking. Fans on social media shared their thoughts about this provision and the Spaniard using it.
Not having taken to the court since the second round of the 2023 Australian Open, Nadal is currently ranked World No.664. Let alone the main draw, he is not eligible for the qualifiers of the first Grand Slam of the year. Hence, he will make use of his Protected Ranking. After some doubts, his PR reportedly came out to be No.9, automatically getting him into the main event.
Protected Rankings come into play when players have injury/maternity breaks longer than six months. ATP allows players to use it for nine tournaments/months upon return, while WTA permits it for eight. Many other star players will be using the PR route to play in the 2024 Australian Open. Nadal, given his much-publicised absence and subsequent return, has been the focus of the debate over the special rankings.
A few fans said Nadal getting entry into the main draw with the PR helps the tournament financially. It will increase ticket sales and revenue.
The point is not purely to help nadal. There is a profit factor, atp wants to sell tickets, therefore this works in favour of the tournament as well as the high ranking players. In short more money for all of them. The problem is when you buy the ticket n there’s no performance
— R7V (@theghostr7v) December 9, 2023
Protected ranking or no, #rafaelnadal will ALWAYS be welcome at the big tournaments. He is too big of a draw. Ultimately it’s about the Benjamins. Getting the fans, the viewership and the advertisers. #atptour
— Daniel Bastaja (@kupac1) December 10, 2023
It’s ok …
I also can imagine that commercial aspects can play a role as well.— Benno R. RENAUD (@Gastronomicasia) December 9, 2023
For protected rankings. It’s Rafa Nadal. Ratings. Tickets. And just a better tennis player than No. 664 undoubtedly. https://t.co/VWGzFXYLmj
— Josh Kimball (@josh_kimball_5) December 9, 2023
While there were some detractors, most fans supported the PR provision. They gave many reasons, like it ensures players don’t scramble to save rankings and it allows female players the freedom to have kids. One fan cheekily said he is okay with it since it means getting to see Novak Djokovic defeat Nadal.
Anything to watch Nadal get smoked by Djokovic
— Mike The Mad Scientist (@MadMikeOfficial) December 9, 2023
I’m ok with that. That assures that players don’t come back from injury too soon just for sake of ranking
— Lauri Selänne (@sebulban) December 9, 2023
I think it’s fair. Sometimes serious injuries happen. Also,women have a right to have a child and still be active players. It’s good that there is also a limited amount of protected ranking to be used.
— Anna Zofia Niezgodzka (@Anna_Niezgodzka) December 9, 2023
for it– there’s nothing a person can do against an injury and shouldn’t lose standing as result of it. It’s hard enough fight to recover physically and mentally regardless of past titles.
— pogomcl (@pogomcl) December 9, 2023
For…100% as it benefits ALL players!
— Chapter0_WITH JINYOUNG toGOT7 Fan account (@Denijin24) December 9, 2023
I agree with it. Players work extremely hard to get to high rankings. To lose it because of an injury seems a bit cruel. The protected ranking doesn’t last forever but it gives players a chance to heal and not start back from the bottom.
— Beamer J (@j12544777) December 9, 2023
A player using Protected Ranking is not eligible to be seeded. A section of users wondered how this might affect Nadal’s campaign, hoping for him to face Djokovic in the first round.
Wow, no seeding. Rafa vs Novak in Rd 1 coming!
— Nathaniel Rayestu (@rayestu) December 9, 2023
I don’t have any issue with protected rankings it makes total sense.
But a reminder a protected ranking cannot be used for a seeding. So Nadal could well draw Djokovic or a seed in R1 of the Australian Open, but it’s more likely that he will face a qualifier in the first round. https://t.co/Ai9D1p60VO
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) December 9, 2023
You’re still understanding. He’s not gonna be seeded. The protected ranking only grants him entry into the draw. I’m sure most would rather he was seeded cause now, even Djokovic could get Nadal in the 1st 2nd or 3rd round.
— dblog (@blueberriyum) December 10, 2023
Despite the support the PR system received, a few were not thrilled with it.
Against, its no Good for a working ranking system. BUT should ofcourse get a Wc per default …
— richard olofsson (@rilleg123) December 9, 2023
Against. Jou have to look to the form of the moment. So recent achievements. Let him play a top 10 player.
— Misha Oosterwijk (@OosterwijkMisha) December 10, 2023
Protected ranking is for injured players, not for celebrities coming out of retirement, just to play some farewell tournaments.
— Štor² (@Mark0Stor) December 9, 2023
Take the zverev route you bozo https://t.co/b9XH1AFUZR
— 25X (@25xconnected) December 9, 2023
American No.1 says Rafael Nadal being unseeded makes the draw difficult
“I think that maybe it’s going to be tough. Maybe he might be a little bit rusty. I think it’s going to be pretty crazy having him in draws where he’s going to be unseeded. So anybody can play Rafa in the first round, so it’s going to be pretty crazy.”
“He’s Rafa, so I think even if he’s going to be maybe a little rusty coming back or it takes some time, he’s still going to be playing really well and he’s still going to be tough for a lot of guys to play early and draws as well just because of him being unseeded.”
