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 |
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.