Rafael Nadal was confirmed as the world number one for the first time in three years in the latest ATP rankings released on Monday. The 31-year-old Spaniard last topped the men’s charts in July 2014.
Nadal, who has spent 141 weeks in the top spot, has struggled with knee injuries since first becoming No. 1 in August 2008 and he has admitted doubting he could ever regain the number one spot after so many years.
He 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.
Roger Federer, who won a record-breaking 8th Wimbledon title had to settle for the third position on the ranking.
Top 10 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)
