Roger Federer overtook Rafael Nadal at the top of the world rankings this weekend after beating Robin Haase on route to winning the Rotterdam Open.
Our champ will have the chance to regain the No. 1 ranking during the March because Roger is defending Masters 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami.
If Rafa comes back to the top, he will then face the task of defending all the points he earned during the clay season. It will be very interesting to see what will actually happen at the top between Rafa and Roger in the next few months.
As usual, Rafa is not bothered with not being world number one anymore:
He [Roger Federer] didn’t need to return to No 1 to show who he is in tennis. What he’s achieved is very difficult and you can only congratulate him. Rankings don’t lie, he did a little bit better than me in the last 12 months.
I’ve been in the top 2 for many years. Being No 1, No 3, No 5 doesn’t make much difference. What makes me happy is feeling competitive and able to win tournaments.
I won’t fight to be back at No 1. I’ll fight to have my best possible season. If that means later in the season I have a chance to be back at it, OK.
The current ATP rankings and point scores are as follows:
| # | Name | Nationality | Points | Tournaments |
| 1. | Federer Roger | Switzerland | 10105 | 18 |
| 2. | Nadal Rafael | Spain | 9760 | 17 |
| 3. | Cilic Marin | Croatia | 4960 | 20 |
| 4. | Dimitrov Grigor | Bulgaria | 4635 | 22 |
| 5. | Zverev Alexander | Germany | 4450 | 24 |
| 6. | Thiem Dominic | Austria | 4220 | 25 |
| 7. | Goffin David | Belgium | 3280 | 25 |
| 8. | Sock Jack | USA | 2880 | 22 |
| 9. | Anderson Kevin | South Africa | 2825 | 23 |
| 10. | Del Potro Juan-Martin | Argentina | 2815 | 20 |
OLA OLA OLA OLA & VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) MEXICO IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VERY HAPPY FOR YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) : ) ENJOY YOUR TIME SWEETHEART & HAVE LOTS OF FUN WITH EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) ; ) : ) ci……ci…….ci…….ci……: ) I trust you dear Rafa full heatedly !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) I trust your solid knowledge of your tennis and your impressive intelligence!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) Your blessed instincts are brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 YOU KNOW INSTINCTIVELY WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) YOUR blessed long practices is who you are…..and it is radiating BRILLIANCE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU HAVE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL, CLASSY CONNECTION TO YOUR ADORABLE, STRONG BODY AND YOU KNOW HOW TO NAVIGATE YOUR OWN FANTASTIC IMPROVEMENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 YOU ARE BLESSED WITH THE THE KNOW HOW TO KEEP MOVING FORWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) BEFORE EACH TOUR YOU ARE SO INCREDIBLE WITH YOUR WORK ETHIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 😉 😉 😉 WHAT YOU ARE DOING DEAR RAFA IS HIGHLY ADMIRABLE AND SO IMPRESSIVE……..AND IT IS WHAT IS THE ULTIMATE BEST !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) GOOD FOR YOU SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 : ) : ) YOU HAVE SUCH A GIFTED IN BUILT COORDINATION AND PHYSICAL GRACE ABOUT EVERY POINT YOU PLAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 😉 🙂 🙂 🙂 IT IS SUCH A BRIGHT JOY TO WATCH YOU PLAY LIVE….. AND EVERYTHING ABOUT YOU IS SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BLESSING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 😉 🙂 : ) 🙂 VAMOS SWEETHEART !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 WE MISS YOU DEAR RAFA AND SENDING LOVE AND HUGS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
WE LOVE YOU DEAR RAFA AND TRUST THE WISE WAY YOU SPEND YOUR TIME AND YOUR BLESSED TOUR PREPARATIONS VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) YOU ARE FIT AND BEAUTIFUL AND YOUR PRACTICE SESSIONS ARE BRILLIANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING & KNOW ALL YOUR AMAZING TENNIS IS VERY VERY SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU HAVE SUCH PASSIONATE OE OF A KIND COURT PRESENCE AND CLASSY TENNIS STYLE…….AND YOUR FEISTY BRILLIANT COMPETITIVE EDGE IS VERY BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) 🙂 : ) YOU ARE STRONG AND GORGEOUS AND THE NATURAL WAY YOU WALK……MOVE…….AND RUN IS MAGICAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 YOU ARE A BRILLIANT STAR SWEETHEART …….INSPIRING AND GIFTED……..YOUR MOTIVATION IS SO OUTSTANDING……SO SPECIAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 GOD BLESS YOU SWEETHEART & KEEP SMILING AND ENJOYING EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 ALONG WITH YOUR ADORING FANS, OUR FAMILY IS ENCHANTED BY YOUR GOD GIVEN TALENT AND WE ADMIRE AND RESPECT YOUR BRILLIANT TENNIS SO VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂 XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO
As a fan, we worry about Rafa’s injuries and staying healthy. But can we also acknowledge that Rafa is a very different player than Roger? Rafa needs a lot of repetitions and winning to be in full confidence. What works for Roger, might not work for Rafa, or any other player. So let’s trust Rafa and his team, and enjoy every minute of what’s remaining of Rafa’s legendary career.
I, believe Rara when he says number 1 is not his main priority, to be healthy and competitive is his first goal.
The problem is that he jeopardises his chances of remaining healthy by playing in too many tournaments. This is something that we as fans have said so many times,
But there is an added factor here too, I believe, and that makes Rafa doubly vulnerable. It is his excessive practice routines which often last longer than the matches in which he plays.
He is now in Mexico and no doubt wearing himself out before he even gets to play in Apapulco.
I know I am just a fan and perhaps should have faith in Rafa to decide how often he plays and practices . He is the expert .
Moya changed his practice routines to include specific area training rather than just getting out there and trying to do everything all at once but I fear Rafa does not always listen. He has been practicing all out for all of his career and he has it in his head that practice, practice and more practice is the solution.
Fed has wisely listened to his body. He has cut down considerably on his schedule and does not wear himself out. I am no Federer fan but I acknowledge his wiseness in arranging his schedule. Rafa should realise that what he was able to do at 21 he can’t do at 31, take more care of his body and curtail excessive practice routines along with making some adjustments to his schedule.
Nevertheless I am a committed Rafa fan and no matter what he does I will always think of him as the best sportsman seen in for tennis for many years. His dedication, his humility and his respect for his fellow competitors are above reproach.
But please Rafa, slow down a little.!!
Rafa I am an avid fan also. Once you are out of a tournament I lose interest and only tend to watch the highlights and results.
I agree wholeheartedly with what Beverly above has said. Please watch your practice times and cut down on your schedule.
Love you so much and want you to go on for years as you still are the most exciting player ever.
Completely agree with you, Beverley Bud nichenko.
You ‘re one rare fan who are fully aware of Rafa’s state not like a Federer fan named Margo here.
We are Rafans and we support him but we should know a little bit of him. I am not bragging of understanding Rafa more than himself but i think he should avoid making the same mistakes.
It’s not the first time Rafa plays through pain which costs the whole season. He won his first (hopefully not the last) AO in 2009 after suffering massive physical demand. But he continued competing in IW and Miami with a bandage on his knee. The same thing went on the clay season. Rafa did add some Master 1000s to his pocket but the knee injury made him pay for a grandslam tournament. So i really hope that Rafa and his medical team know what they ‘re doing.
VAMOS DEAR RAFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) ; ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 I love your sportsmanship and classy long term attitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) That is why we global avid Tennis fans consider you the ULTIMATE GOAT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) What brilliance over the years you RAFA NADAL have accomplished with your earnest, genuine hard work and sweat is extraordinary and NO ONE COMES NEAR YOUR BEAUTIFUL TENNIS STRENGTH. VAMOS SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) WE LOVE YOU AND ENJOY WATCHING YOUR MAGIC ON ALL SURFACES VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) YOU ARE THE TRUE GOAT OF ALL TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : )
In my humble opinion to respond to previous comments here…..to put it mildly, princess roger fed. is the head tale of mice sports…..not holding ranking of true, valid, real relevant tennis competitions….. he can never ever retire with pride or knowing he earned it all square and fair with all the extra privileges he continuously getting, more than other players, on every tour. Especially more notably the case in Wimbledon and AO tours………OUTRAGEOUS TO WITNESS SUCH UNCALLED FOR EXTRA CONSIDERATION FOR ONE PLAYER OVER OTHERS FOR SO MANY YEARS……………ABSOLUTELY OUTRAGEOUS……RIDICULOUS TO WATCH THIS GOING ON AND ON AND ON…….I PITY princess r…..for he knows all too well what uncalled for breaks he is privileged with and he ends up playing like a spoiled bratty participant in each tour.
EDUCATED AVID TENNIS FANS ARE ALL TOO AWARE .
DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS TENNIS HAS MANY BRILLIANT TOP HARD WORKING FANTASTIC PLAYERS……..RAFA IS AT THE TOP…..and no where in my humble view princess r is a part of these real tennis competitions. BUT WHO CARES…..we have RAFA TO WATCH LIVE…….HIS PASSION…….HIS DETERMINATION…….and HIS REAL EFFORT……REAL COMPETITIONS……REAL FIGHTING WITH EACH POINT…… REAL SWEAT …..REAL GORGEOUS COURT PRESENCE …….REAL OUTSTANDING………RAFA NADAL YOU ARE THE REAL DEAL IN TENNIS HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 ; ) LOTS OF LOVE & HAPPINESS & KEEP SMILING SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) 🙂 : ) YOU ARE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) VAMOS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) HAVE A BEAUTIFUL WEEK DEAR RAFA & GO RAFA GO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 : ) ENJOY EVERYTHING SWEETHEART!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) XOXOXOXOXO
I agree with Fan Love. All tennis fans must surely be aware that Federer always gets the easy draw and Rafa has to play at least 5 finals before he even gets to the final. This has been going on for years. But being the kind and humble person Rafa is he just makes the best of it and still gives Federer credit. That’s why you are a Champ Rafa and you will always will be the best tennis player ever!
YES….It is Rafa’s solid character and loving upbringing that makes him so incredibly dignified and impressive in everything he does. His integrity is rare and his kindness on and off the court is unbelievably special!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) : ) : ) 🙂 At the end of the day that is what really matters!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 🙂 🙂 🙂 Rafa is holding his own with such grace and beauty…..I am very happy for him God bless him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) : ) 🙂 😉 😉 🙂 😉
Good luck in next tournament. Stay healthy-IW awaits🌴😎🎾🏆💕
all the very best for your tennis coming up for you,will be watching you vamos rafa.
”
PILAR MARÍA PARILLI VAZQUEZ… Think that Rafael Nadal is a great tennis of champión and that he how that good great tennisman that is are playing excellently and that if really there is somebody that can so many times to win the to Féderer is he,rafa is únique and special for above all the more greats World of the tennismen indudably….”
Rafa is a sport competitor that already won so much . Right now , i don’t believe he is obsessed by the No 1… I’m sure he doesn’t care of be No 1 ! He just wish being healthy to playing without issues and win more tournaments ……….Obsessions it’s Federer goal , egocentric arrogant he is afraid to lose the title as “goat”
roger would never ever be considerate goat by avid global tennis fans because his easier draws….his easier schedules….his easier everything appears to be way obvious in compassion to other top players….Ultimately, in the end of the day, princess r will never be goat because he does not compete fair and square……that is my opinion and I have been passionately following Tennis closely for the past 40 years…..
…..tournaments”.
Honest, sensible talk from Rafa. I like that he said “What makes me happy is feeling competitive and able to win tournaments. This is the mindset that he should have. Stay healthy and focus on yourself Rafa, then everything else will fall into place!
R. Federer is fake. He is addicted to High Performance Drug. The ATP knows that and have kept it under control, because Federer pays.
yes, that sounds reasonable….such pity….win or loose princess r has zero spirit and never ever appears happy or content….it is a bore and sad to watch over the years…. and for his sake I hope he makes an effort to have more authenticity to his tennis.
Appalling. Where’s your proof for accusing a player of being a druggie AND accusing the ATP of accepting payment? Without proof, your statements go beyond the pale of decency.
WOW!!!!! Where did this come from? Although I’m a Rafa fan through and through, I respect Roger’s natural talent and integrity. He’s achieved everything there is to achieve in the game and, just like Rafa he has no need to resort to the desperate measure of cheating. Gerry, I think you’ve thrown this reckless comment in just to create controversy!
first step be healthy and fit
second step improve the game (serving, courtposition, returning and again improve forehand down the line
third step believe in yourself and telling yourself that you are on court the best player of the world
fourth step found out new strategy on how to beat your greatest rival
YEH……Rafa is the best player in the world…….: )
You’re right champ Rafa. Your concern about your health and fitness is also our concern. For as long as you feel so very much confident and competitive on the court is what we most love to see. We all know you’re not after the rankings. That’s only a bonus for you if you happen to surpass all the matches free of any injuries and pain and taking home the title. We’d rather see you playing and enjoying your time on court rather than having injuries and miss some tournaments. But,of course, it would be a great pleasure for us if you’re on top of the rankings. Will always be supporting you no matter what. Vamos Rafa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And all the best on your next tournaments. Cheers 🙂 🙂 🙂
WORLD Rankings are a farce, it doesn’t prove anything much except the one with the least injuries gets to the top of the pile.
In theory no 355 could be eventually No 1 if all the others couldn’t play because of injury !
Rafa will always be my favorite most entertaining player of all time no matter where he is on the rankings
He has set the benchmark as regards sheer endurance originality and determination for everyone.
Tennis is the most demanding sport in the world,one has to be superfit and skilled to last a match that can go on for many hours even days,injuries can happen to the best players and prevent success in the so- called world rankings.
big farce….you are right anthony Lambert…. ranking has zero to do with actual ability, skill or performance…..the good news is that Rafa has ample experience navigating through all the non essential in tennis….and his focus has been always doing his best, giving his best, and that is why we have such high regard for his TENNIS and love him so much !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : ) 😉 🙂 🙂
Always with you <3
ONE OF THE REASONS WHY YOU ARE SO LOVED AROUND THE WORLD, YOU ARE A WONDERFUL HUMAN BEING. YOU DONT NEED TO PROVE ANYTHING TO ANYONE. EVEN IF YOU ARE NOT THE WORLD NO 1. YOU WILL ALWAYS BE OUR CHAMPION
LOVE YOU ALWAYS. ❤💓💔💕💖💙❣💟💞💝💜💛💚
Too right you are simply the best you get knoevked down you get back up .We all get knocked down but you my friend our a warrier .I myself have had many knocks but I keep .One smart ass today said hey dont take that Well I needed that. You are a true champion Vamos my Rafa xxxx
You will always be no 1 for us…..your personality….maturity and your values…we love you and respect you,,,,,,,,
Rafa you are such a GREAT sportsman, and I congratulate you on what you have achieved.
Love and prayers,
AlaineXXSydneyXXAustraliaXX
Rafa the only we wan is you to be HEALTY .Everyttphing else .will follow .you are amazing person your fans love you. All the way🎾🎾🎾👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️🏆
Well said Rafa.Competitive spirit is prime! As you say, so is mutual respect for close rivals and competitors who are also soul mates. Every good wish. Jean Palmer ,Winnipeg , Manitoba, Canada.
A healthy Rafa is all I want. Everything else will follow.
RAFA ROCKS
Roger only played 13 countable tournaments in the last 52 weeks why does it say 18?
The ATP mandatory (must play) tournaments are included in the count, even though players such as Rafa and Roger have earned exemptions, as explained in the ATP rules (sorry it’s not possible to post links here), due to their age, achievements and time spent on the tour. They get no penalties for not playing, but the ‘missed’ tournaments count as being played, with 0 points won. Hope that makes sense 🙂
such “missed” tours category is how it is being senselessly justified by the atp but makes zero sense if you think sport is about real competition and real showing up….
never believe anything said about princess r…..it is all artificial and it has no merit…..
Rafa is a very secure person and knows what he has achieved, no need to look over his shoulder at any player . Being healthy and injury free is the priority, the rest will follow. Vamos Rafa
Absolutly incredible what these two boys to men have achieved throughout their careers together and continue to have such great friendship and respect for each other and their sport. They are indeed shining examples to upcoming generations. Good work!!!!!
Nice comment, Betty. Shame that a number of people around here feel like cheering for Rafa means saying all sorts of nonsense about Federer.