Rafael Nadal’s latest rise to world No.1 has been described as ‘unprecedented’ by the head of the ATP World Tour.
Chris Kermode has hailed Nadal’s rise back to world No.1 as a true testament to his longevity on the tour. The 31-year-old Spaniard is at the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2014. This season he has already won four titles on the clay, including a record 10th French Open trophy.
“To regain the No. 1 ranking nine years after having first reached it is unprecedented,” ATP president Kermode said in a statement.
“Rafa has been setting records throughout his remarkable career and this one is as impressive as any. It shows incredible dedication and longevity, and we congratulate him on this amazing achievement.”
This week is the Spaniard’s 142nd as world No.1 since 2008. The seventh longest period in history. So far in his career, Nadal has won 73 ATP titles and has more than 400 wins against top 10 players. Nadal’s life on the tour hasn’t always been plain sailing. He has also had to contend with both knee and wrist injuries.
On Monday, the same day the 15-time grand slam champion returned to world No.1, Nadal posted a video on social media thanking his fans for the support.
“Hello guys just want to say thank you very much to all of you for your support,” said Nadal.
“It has been a very good year and today is a special one. Going back to number one, I’m just very happy.”
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) 21 August 2017
Next week, the Spaniard will play in his 50th grand slam tournament at the US Open. For the first time since 2010, he will seeded first at the New York major.
Nadal’s 2017 season
Brisbane – QF (lost to Milos Raonic)
Australian Open – finalist (lost to Roger Federer)
Acapulco – finalist (lost to Sam Querrey)
Indian Wells – R4 (lost to Federer)
Miami – finalist (lost to Federer)
Monte Carlo – champion
Barcelona – champion
Madrid – champion
Rome – QF (lost to Dominic Thiem)
French Open – champion
Wimbledon – R4 (lost to Gilles Muller)
Rogers Cup – R3 (lost to Denis Shapovalov
Cincinnati Open – QF (lost to Nick Kyrgios)
