Nadal has decided to just go with flow

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 retook the No. 1 ranking from Novak Djokovic this week, has compiled a 27-1 record on hard courts this year, including capturing his second U.S. Open crown.

His dominance on the surface has been the most surprising part of his comeback from a seven-month layoff due to a left knee injury, which many believed would limit his action on hard courts.

Nadal said Tuesday before the Shanghai Masters he still believes too many tournaments are played on the surface, but he’s done trying to influence ATP policymakers.