Nadal hails 'unbelievable' climb back to No.1

Image
AFP Paris
Last Updated : Aug 21 2017 | 5:01 PM IST
Rafael Nadal described as "unbelievable" his climb back to the world number one spot for the first time in three years and confirmed in the latest ATP rankings released today.
The Spaniard, who learned he was going to reclaim the ATP summit a week ago, last topped the men's charts in July 2014.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, who won his 15th Grand Slam title this year at Roland Garros, deposes Britain's Andy Murray, who withdrew from the tournaments in Montreal and Cincinnati with a hip injury.
Nadal, who has spent 141 weeks in the top spot, has struggled with knee injuries since first becoming No. 1 in August 2008 after a Cincinnati semi-final run. He has admitted doubting he could ever regain the number one spot after so many years.
"Being No. 1 after all the things that I have been going through the last couple of years is something unbelievable," the Spanish great told the ATP.
Nadal, knocked out in the Cincinnati quarter-finals last week by Australian Nick Kyrgios, had slipped to as low as 13th in the ATP rankings midway through 2015.
And his path back to the top one week before the closing Grand slam of the season at the US Open was hailed by Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman and President.
"To regain the No. 1 ranking nine years after having first reached it is unprecedented," he said.
"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."
Kyrgios's progress to yesterday's Cincinnati final earned him a five-rung rise to 18th with the man who beat him, Bulgarian Grigor Dimitrov, breaking into the top 10 in 9th.
ATP rankings on August 21
1. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 7.645 (+1)
2. Andy Murray (GBR) 7.150 (-1)
3. Roger Federer (SUI) 7.145
4. Stan Wawrinka (SUI) 5.690
5. Novak Djokovic (SRB) 5.325
6. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4.470 (+1)
7. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4.155 (-1)
8. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 4.030
9. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 3.710 (+2)
10. Kei Nishikori (JPN) 3.195 (-1)
11. Milos Raonic (CAN) 2.870 (-1)
12. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (FRA) 2.690
13. David Goffin (BEL) 2.525
14. John Isner (USA) 2.425 (+5)
15. Roberto Bautista (ESP) 2.425 (-1)
16. Pablo Carreno (ESP) 2.385 (+1)
17. Jack Sock (USA) 2.345 (-1)
18. Nick Kyrgios (AUS) 2.325 (+5)
19. Tomas Berdych (CZE) 2.310 (-4)
20. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 2.210 (-2).

Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content

*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 21 2017 | 5:01 PM IST

Next Story