[tuszit]

Just placing this here to celebrate his ascent to the #1 in the rankings.

http://www.atptennis.com/1/en/2008news/nadal_newno1.asp
ATP's homepage Ranking:

1 Nadal , R. 6700
2 Federer , R. 5930
3 Djokovic , N. 5105
4 Ferrer , D. 2865
5 Davydenko , N. 2700
6 Murray , A. 2415
7 Nalbandian , D. 1975
8 Roddick , A. 1845
9 Blake , J. 1825
10 Wawrinka , S. 1695

They also have a banner congratulating Rafa

First ATP win: April '02, d. Ramon Delgado in Mallorca
Top 100: April '03 saw him enter as #96
First ATP final: Jan. '04, l. to Hrbaty in Auckland
First ATP tournament won: Aug. '04, d. Acasuso in Sopot
Top 20: April 4 '05
First GS: RG '05 d. Puerta
First year finish in top ten: '05, #2

PETE SAMPRAS: "He's a great fighter and I'm impressed with him. He's had the best year and he's clearly number one. He's 22 and think about that. It's incredible what Nadal's been able to do and I think he's going to get better and better if he can."

ROD LAVER: "Nadal's had a terrific Wimbledon, winning a tough five setter against Roger. He is a worthy new No. 1. Federer’s consistency for three years dominating all opponents is one of the great efforts in open tennis. Hopefully Nadal can continue his winning ways through 2008. The US Open will be a huge test for both of them."

STEFAN EDBERG: "Nadal is a great player with incredible charisma and fighting spirit, who deserves the No. 1 ranking. Especially after winning one of the greatest Wimbledon final ever following the French Open win. Federer is one of the best players ever to play the game and his record of 237 weeks at No. 1 is incredible. A tribute to his sportsmanship as well!"

GUSTAVO KUERTEN: "I believe becoming No. 1 in the world is the biggest glory of an athlete. Nadal deserved to be in the No. 1 position since a few years. Federer definitely helped him to become a better player. Nadal's achievement is well deserved and I believe he has the capability to hold the No. 1 position for a long period, a feat that I'm sure he is very determined to accomplish."

The Mallorca native is the 24th player in the history of the South African Airways ATP Rankings (since 1973) to hold the No. 1 position in the official rankings in men's tennis. He joins countrymen Carlos Moya (1999) and Juan Carlos Ferrero (2003) to rank No. 1. Nadal is also the fifth left-hander to rank No. 1, the first since Chilean Marcelo Rios in 1998. Other left-handers to hold the top position are Austrian Thomas Muster (1996), and Americans John McEnroe (1980) and Jimmy Connors (1974).

[gluckmeea]

I loved the congratulations start page at the ATP site. It has been 4 1/2 years after all. Very much deserved, Rafa!

[OnlineViagraCheapestFREE]

After reading Pete's quote, I've decided that Bodo did most of the writing for the book.


Vamos Rafa. A most deserved ascension to the 1 spot!

[zlZ95pjt]

Rafa!

[trowUrillioth]

After reading Pete's quote, I've decided that Bodo did most of the writing for the book.

I can tell you with certainty that Sampras did write... the acknowledgments.


CONGRATS, RAFA AND RAFA'S FANS!

[BuyCheapest]

Photo confirmation, if anyone wants to save this piece of history.

[pongeystrhjst]

Congratulations to Rafael and his fans for achieving the top spot. This is a cause for celebration especially after winning the Gold medal in Beijing.

[Andoror]

Well done Rafa. Well deserved number 1.

[P1international]

It is also impressive that he has opened such a huge gap between him and Roger.

[jakitula]

It's finally official! VAMOS RAFA!!!

[Roorseprate]

Vamos Rafa!


It seems like yesterday when I first saw him in the Acapulco event when he was 15 or 16.

[ArrichMer]

As a fan of Roger, . No, actually . Or alternatively,

[Roorseprate]

As a fan of Roger, . No, actually . Or alternatively,

I'm a Roger fan as well, but I love Rafa too and I'm happy for Rafa.

The rivalry wil continue. It's great for tennis.

[Ettiominiw]

After reading Pete's quote, I've decided that Bodo did most of the writing for the book.


Vamos Rafa. A most deserved ascension to the 1 spot!

[cwgwowcom]

Vamos Rafa!

[VeniHemealm]

Rafa, you put the "man" in Manacor. Congratulations on your.......

Annus Mirabilis

Don't anyone mess with that second "n."

[sherrferris]

After reading Pete's quote, I've decided that Bodo did most of the writing for the book.

Hey, give him a break. He's clearly mastered compound sentences.

[seodiary]

Congrats Rafa!

Well deserved, during what has already been an amazing season, and an impressive multi-year run in which he could have been #1 earlier, if not for Federer's ridiculously great achievements.

[georgshult]

It is also impressive that he has opened such a huge gap between him and Roger.

I know! His first week and he already has an 800 point lead. Even crazier is that Roger is defending more points through the rest of the year, so it would be almost impossible for him to get it back before the end of the year. It looks like Rafa may hold on to this for some time.

[Emunsesoxmete]

Congratulations Rafa!!!