Spain's Rafael Nadal listens to questions during a press conference for the Shanghai Masters tennis tournament at the Qizhong Forest Sports City Tennis Center, in Shanghai, China, Tuesday, Oct. 8, 2013. (AP Photo/Ng Han Guan) (The Associated Press)
SHANGHAI – Rafael Nadal says his belief that too many tournaments are played on hard courts hasn't changed with his success on the surface this year — he's simply given up trying to change the system.
The Spaniard, who reclaimed the No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic this week, has a 27-1 record on hard courts this year, including his second U.S. Open crown and three Masters titles.
He said Tuesday at the Shanghai Masters tournament that he still believes too many tournaments are played on hard courts, but he's finished trying to influence ATP policymakers.
He said, "I am really out of politics, and I don't want to be involved in politics of the tennis anymore."
Nadal plays his opening match Wednesday against either Alexandr Dolgopolov or Michael Russell.
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