Rafael Nadal may have a shot to win another Grand Slam title in his career despite recent struggles, but former captain of US Davis Cup team Patrick McEnroe believes the Spaniard has no chance to reclaim his throne atop the world rankings.
Patrick, younger brother of former world No. 1 John McEnroe, believes Nadal is still capable of making a run in this year's French Open, but the 49-year-old American claimed the "King of Clay" no longer has the knack to become the ATP's world No. 1.
"Is he capable of going on a run at the French Open? Absolutely. What he doesn't seem capable of doing is getting it together for a run at the No. 1 ranking." Patrick said, reports ESPN.
Nadal is still attempting to channel his old form, but so far, the 29-year-old Mallorcan has failed to do so in the past tournaments. Many factors have contributed to the delay of Nadal's much awaited return to top form. But according to Novak Djokovic's father Srdjan, Nadal needs to come back to his old elite self as the sport still needs the like of him.
"Tennis still needs Nadal; he needs to come back. I hope he can play another two or three years at a high level," Srdjan told Newsweek.
Meanwhile, Nadal gained a slight boost in his confidence after winning his opening match at Indian Wells against Luxembourg's Gilles Muller. However, Nadal faces another tough task when he meets compatriot Fernando Verdasco in Round of 23 of the first ATP 1000 Masters event of the year.
"I need to play better in the next match," Nadal said, reports ATP's official website. "I play against a tough opponent [Verdasco]. He beat me in Australia this year."
Nadal has won 14 of his 17 matches against Verdasco, but the latter defeated the former in three of their last four meeting, including a stunner in the opening round of the Australian Open last month.
The world No. 5 will have an opportunity to regain his composure this season and a win that would somehow reinstate his confidence in playing tennis when he meets Verdasco on the hard court. However, it is expected to be another challenge for the 14-time Grand Slam winner.