Tennis

Rafael Nadal hits landmark 200 weeks as world No 1 after Davis Cup triumph


Rafael Nadal has reached 200 weeks at world No 1.

Nadal reclaimed top spot in the world rankings on November 4, overtaking Novak Djokovic.

The Spaniard had one of his most impressive seasons to date, winning two Grand Slam titles, two Masters 1000 events and reaching at least the semi-finals in 10 consecutive events.

He is the oldest player to finish a season as year-end No 1 and it is his 15th straight year in the top 10.

And he has now completed a double century of weeks in the number one position in singles.

It puts him third behind Roger Federer (310) and Novak Djokovic (275).

Djokovic had been No 1 for a year until being dethroned by Nadal earlier this month.

The Serbian is just 35 weeks behind Federer’s all-time record and injury permitting is best placed to pass the Swiss.

By ending the year third in the rankings Federer achieved a record 15th top-three finish.

And the year finishes with Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, Matteo Berrettini and Roberto Bautista Agut all ending the season in the top 10 for the first time.

Nadal capped his wonderful year with Davis Cup success on Sunday.

After playing eight matches in six days, Nadal showed incredible resilience to withstand Canada’s Denis Shapovalov in the second singles match of the final.

The 33-year-old, who didn’t drop serve all week, collapsed to the floor as he completed a 6-3 7-6 win.

“I think especially Rafa playing singles and doubles almost every day, he’s been our MVP this week,” Nadal’s team-mate Feliciano Lopez said.

“Of course, I want to give credit to all of us, but he’s been amazing what he has done.

“There’s things that only people like Rafa can do and if you ask my opinion I think he’s a superhero.”

Nadal added: ”It’s been amazing, the whole week of course. When you finally win the title after all the things that we went through I think this week.

“And playing at home is something difficult to describe. It’s been an unforgettable week for all of us, without a doubt.”

WORLD RANKINGS – NOVEMBER 25

1 Rafael Nadal (Spa) 9985pts

2 Novak Djokovic (Ser) 9145

3 Roger Federer (Swi) 6590

4 Dominic Thiem (Aut) 5825

5 Daniil Medvedev (Rus) 5705

6 Stefanos Tsitsipas (Gre) 5300

7 Alexander Zverev (Ger) 3345

8 Matteo Berrettini (Ita) 2870

9 Roberto Bautista Agut (Spa) 2540

10 Gael Monfils (Fra) 2530



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