Rafael Nadal to return to world No.1

Rafael Nadal will be confirmed as the new world No.1 when the rankings are released next Monday. The Spaniard, who last sat atop the men’s rankings on 6 July 2014, has amassed 141 weeks (total) during his career. He first reached the top spot at the age of 22 (18 August 2008).

Rafa’s rise to No.1 was confirmed earlier today when Roger Federer announced that he is withdrawing from the Cincinnati Masters. The Swiss star, who was the only player able to stop Rafa taking the No.1 spot, will be confirmed as world No.2 when next week’s rankings are released. Andy Murray, who has held on to the world No.1 for six months, will drop to No.3 after being forced to miss the last few weeks of the ATP Tour because of injury.

The ascent to the top of the world caps a remarkable turnaround in fortunes for Nadal.

The Spaniard had struggled with a loss of confidence during 2015, and was forced to end his 2016 season early because of injury.

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However, 2017 marked a return to form. A run to the Australian Open final (d. Federer), was followed by finals appearances at Acapulco (d. Querrey) and Indian Wells (d. Federer).

When the Tour swing on to clay, Nadal took control. The Spaniard broke new ground on the ATP with his tenth titles at Monte Carlo and Barcelona, before becoming the first man to win Roland Garros for the tenth time.

Nadal is now guaranteed to go into the US Open as world No.1, although Federer is still able to catch him dependent on results.