STARNBERG, April 2, 2018

Despite not playing since January, Rafael Nadal is back as World No. 1 this Monday, completing 168 weeks on top of ATP World Tour rankings. The 31-year-old Spaniard replaces Switzerland’s Roger Federer, who had held the No. 1 spot since 19 February to extend his record to 308 weeks overall.

It’s Nadal’s fifth stint at the pinnacle of men’s professional tennis. However, the Spaniard will have to defend 4.680 ATP ranking points during the clay court season, including titles at Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid and Roland Garros. If Nadal does not repeat those feats on the dirt, Federer will regain the No. 1 ranking once more. The Swiss maestro has skipped the clay court season for the second straight year and thus has no points to defend.

Back on top of the world 🙌

Congrats on returning to No.1 in the @ATPWorldTour rankings, @RafaelNadal 🎉 pic.twitter.com/Ighf8CDY1a

— Tennis TV (@TennisTV) 2. April 2018