Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Diego Schwartzman of Argentina during their second round match at the U.S. Open Championships tennis tournament in New York, September 2, 2015.

Rafael Nadal of Spain hits a return to Diego Schwartzman of Argentina during their second round match at the U.S. Open Championships tennis tournament in New York, September 2, 2015. Reuters/Mike Segar

Can Rafael Nadal win another grand slam title? According to former World No. 1 Brazilian tennis player Gustavo Kuerten, also known as Guga, as long as Novak Djokovic reigns, it is unlikely for Nadal to win.

Guga said that Nadal’s recent poor form is hurting the Spaniard’s game, which is why Nadal had not been able to reach a final of a grand slam tournament since the 2014 French Open. Nadal, now World No. 7, only won three minor tournaments this season. Guga said chances are not only bleak for Nadal to win a grand slam trophy; it would also be tough for the Mallorca native to get back to the top of the world rankings.

“It is very unlikely that he (Nadal) can be number one in the world or even win a grand slam, especially with the performances of other guys,” Guga said, according to TenisNews. “When his performance is committed even if he is nervous, he will find a way, but if his performance is not 100 percent, there is nothing that he can do.”

In today’s men’s tennis, Novak Djokovic rules the herd, Guga further explained. The three-time French Open champion, who recently celebrated his 39th birthday, hinted that Djokovic is becoming a more consistent threat to Nadal as the Serbian tennis star is now the favourite to win the grand slam tournaments.

Meanwhile, Nadal previously sent a message to his detractors after winning his second round match at the 2015 U.S. Open. Nadal said that it wasn’t right to pick on him as he is still in the top 10 of the world rankings.

In other news, Nadal will be taking part at an exhibition event in Thailand. He will play Djokovic at Bangkok’s Hua Mark Indoor Stadium on Oct. 2. The event is billed "Nadal v Djokovic - presented by CP True.” It will be Nadal’s first appearance since his early elimination at Flushing Meadows.

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