After witnessing the way the Spaniard player Rafa Nadal has been playing this year there is no question he should be the number one player in the ATP rankings. Many say watching him play is like magic on the tennis court. He is now leading the top rankings with 38 wins of the 39 matches he has played; he has been the best performer this year. Nadal has won eight titles this year, including two Grand Slams the French Open, Wimbledon and currently the gold medal in Beijing.
Rafael Nadal beat Fernando Gonzalez in the final singles in Beijing 6-3, 7-6 (7/2), 6-3 and became the first Spaniard to ever reach this accomplishment. With this triumph Nadal officially become the No.1 player in the ATP tennis and took away that spot to Roger Federer, who has been the No. 1 of the world since Feb 2, 2004. In the debut against Federer, Nadal has defeated Roger in 12 of the 16 matches, together with four of their six Grand Slams finals.
“That's what I hoped, that if somebody were to take it away from me, he would have to play an incredible tennis schedule, win the biggest tournaments, dominate the game, basically. I think Rafa totally deserves it," alleged the ex-number one Roger Federer.
In his career Nadal has won five Grand Slams, won 12 of his 16 ATP Master Series, held a record of 22 wins and 1 lost in clay court finals and won 81 consecutive matches in the red surface for two years. In doubles competition he has won four of the seven final matches. For some analysts the Spaniard is considering the best tennis player in clay court of all-times. However over the past two years he has become a better player in other surfaces such as grass and hard courts.
Before becoming the number one of the world, Nadal was ranked number two since 2005 holding a record of 160 weeks. Now as the number one Rafa expected to have it as long as he can and work harder to maintain it."Nowhere in my best dreams can I imagine something like what I did this year," Nadal said after winning the gold medal in Beijing. "I am playing an unbelievable season, no doubt. I have to be very happy for everything ... The feeling for sure is very happy for being No. 1..”
Now Nadal is preparing himself to the next challenge, which is the US Open. Most of the top players are there already. The US Open will start next week and Nadal has high expectations of his performance. The Spaniard also is expecting the U.S Open title which could be one more of his big accomplishments this year.
From this point on, there is anything that Rafael Nadal can do. He is in his best of his career; he is having one of the greatest years at the ATP season. We hope to keep seeing his huge talent and his incredible way of playing tennis. We know the Spaniard will give his best in every set and enjoy the game.
