ATP Rankings: Rafael Nadal returns to the top of the world

What’s the story?

Rafael Nadal began his fifth stint at the top of the world after dethroning Roger Federer from the World No. 1 spot as the new world rankings were released by the ATP on Monday, April 2, 2018. This will mark the 16-time Grand Slam champion’s 168th week as the planet’s best player.

Nadal was last ranked No. 1 in February before Federer wrested away the prized ranking from his greatest nemesis after reaching the semi-finals of the ATP Rotterdam, which he eventually won.

In case you didn’t know

Every time the Spaniard has climbed to the pinnacle of the rankings, he has gone on to finish the year as the No. 1. He first became the numero uno player on August 18, 2008 and spent 46 weeks there.

In his second stint, that began on June 7, 2010, he ruled for 56 weeks, followed by 39 weeks from October 7, 2013. His shortest stay at the No. 1 position was of just 26 weeks, beginning on August 21, 2017.

The heart of the matter

Federer needed to reach the quarter-finals of the Miami Open to ensure that he stayed at the No. 1 spot on the conclusion of the tournament. But the 20-time Major winner suffered a shock second round defeat against the 175th ranked Thanasi Kokkinakis.

The result brought an end to his latest reign as the world’s best, facilitating Nadal’s way back to the top. The latter has been out of action since the Australian Open due to a hip injury.

However, Federer is just 100 points behind the southpaw in the latest rankings. With Nadal having to defend a mammoth 4680 points on clay, the Swiss maestro can very much be in contention for another go at the No. 1 ranking, should the Spaniard slip on the terre battue.

What’s next?

Nadal will resume competitive play this weekend at the Davis Cup. He will lead the Spanish challenge against Germany in the World Group quarter-finals to be held in Valencia, Spain from April 6-8.

Author’s take

The biggest challenge now for Nadal is to remain injury-free after the kind of start he has had to the 2018 season. Barring any further niggles to the body, the Spaniard should hope to claim the French Open crown for a record 11th time.