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Djokovic charge puts Nadal number one in danger
May 8, 2011, 21:20 GMT
Madrid - Rafael Nadal knows that his time at the top of the ATP rankings could be under threat by the current victory streak of Serb Novak Djokovic.
The number two ranked Serb's 7-5, 6-3 victory over the Spaniard to win the Madrid Masters now throws more pressure on Nadal as he faces title defences at the Rome Masters, French Open and Wimbledon over the next two months.
Djkokovic, who has not lost a match since November, stretched his win streak to 34 matches, while Nadal finally lost on clay after two years and 37 victories.
'My number one ranking is in danger,' said Nadal. 'This is a reality. But it would not be the end of the world.
'I'm just as happy being number two as number one. I just want to feel satisfied that I did my best when I finally stop my career.'
Nadal was last beaten on clay in the fourth round of the French Open two years ago by Robin Soderling.
Djokovic, who trailed Nadal on second in the world just over 2,200 ranking points behind, has little to defend over the next weeks, having reached quarter-finals in Rome and Paris and the Wimbledon semis.
'I tried to play my best today,' said Nadal. 'It didn't have a bad game, just a normal one - but that's not good enough against Djokovic.'
Nadal admitted that going down in the final at home in an event he won a year ago was a shock. 'But in life and in careers there are highs and lows,' he said.
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