Rafael Nadal had the gratitude to congratulate his rival Carlos Alcaraz after ending an extraordinary streak inside the upper echelons of tennis.
Injured Nadal saw Spanish compatriot Alcaraz regain his world No.1 spot in stunning style as he cruised to the Indian Wells title on Sunday. Teenage superstar Alcaraz is the future of men's tennis and was imperious as he swatted aside Daniil Medvedev 6-3 6-2 in a one-sided final in just 71 minutes.
The 19-year-old returned to the summit of the ATP rankings as he ousted Novak Djokovic, who missed the prestigious Californian tournament because he was unable to enter the US due to his Covid vaccine status.
And the legendary Nadal - very much at the opposite end of Alcaraz in the career spectrum - has now found himself outside the top 10 of the world rankings for the first time in 18 years.
Nadal, 36, has been an ever-present in the top 10 since April 2005 in a run of 912-consecutive weeks, but has now slipped four places to 13th as the ageing warhorse prepares for his latest comeback on his beloved clay.
And the 22-time Grand Slam champion - still harbouring hopes of a record-extending 15th French Open title at Roland Garros in June - will not be able to make an immediate return to the top 10 at the Miami Open as he continues to recover from the muscle problem that plagued his Australian Open bid two months ago.
But Nadal has thrown his full support behind Alcaraz, who has joined him in becoming only the second player to win at least three Masters 1000 titles as a teenager.
"Congrats @carlitosalcarazz on returning to #1 and the title at Indian Wells!!!" Nadal posted on an Instagram story, alongside a photo of Alcaraz celebrating his win.
Alcaraz lost his world No.1 spot to Djokovic in January after missing the first Grand Slam of the year down under due to an injury of his own.
And Spain's next emerging tennis star must defend his Miami Open title next week to maintain his ranking points or risk losing his no.1 status once again to Nadal's great Serbian rival.
