Rafael Nadal back on top of the world after reclaiming No 1 spot
Rafael Nadal has returned to the top of the rankings without having to lift a racquet.
The 31-year-old, who had to withdraw from the Miami Open due to injury, today starts his 168th week as the world No 1 after he replaced long-time rival Roger Federer.
Twenty-time Grand Slam winner Federer’s failure to successfully defend his Indian Wells Masters and Miami Open titles saw him lose top spot to Nadal, who now leads him by 100 points in the rankings.
It is the Spaniard’s fifth stint as the world No 1. He first reached the top on 18 August 2008 while he also spent 26 weeks top from 21 August 2017 to 18 February 2018, after which he was replaced by Federer.
The only other significant change in the top 10 sees John Isner move up to No 9 on the back of his Miami Open success. It’s the first time since 2014 that the American has made it into the top 10.
ATP top 10 rankings:
1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 8770
2. Roger Federer (SUI) 8670
3. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4985
4. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4925
5. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4635
6. Juan Martin del Potro (ARG) 4470
7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3665
8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3390
9. John Isner (USA) 3125
10. David Goffin (BEL) 3110
