Rafael Nadal is happy his place as the world number one is secured but insists protecting his ranking isn’t his top target at Wimbledon.

The Spanish star, who takes on Jiri Vesely in the fourth round on Monday, will keep his at the top of the ATP charts beyond the end of Wimbledon after reaching the second week.

Nadal says he is happier to be defending the number one spot rather than chasing it, but has bigger prizes in mind as he continues his push for a third title at SW19.

“I prefer to be No 1 than No 2, no doubt about this,” he said.

“I really don’t come here to hold No 1. I just came here to try to do the best tournament possible.

“Of course, it’s very positive to be already in the second week, winning three matches. That’s it. Just happy the way that I played during the first week.

“Three matches, every match has been more and more positive. I am playing well. Good start. “I’m very happy for that and looking forward to keep playing well.”

Nadal is 6.50 to win Wimbledon 2018 outright, Roger Federer is the favourite at 1.83 and Novak Djokovic is 6.00.

Nadal won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010 and has reached the final a further three times but he hasn’t progressed beyond the fourth round since his last appearance in the final seven years ago.