Spain's Rafael Nadal is the new world number one.

Having been ranked second in the world since July 2005 behind the seemingly invincible Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal can finally claim he is the best tennis player in the world.

The latest ATP rankings released on Monday 18th August 2008 show the newly crowned Olympic Champion Nadal with a 770 point lead over Federer. It is a lead Nadal will be keen to extend a week today in New York when the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open begins.

Nadal is the 24th player to top the rankings since they were introduced back in 1973. Nadal was keen not to dwell on his achievement to much.

"I'm very happy but the feeling doesn't change much because the last years I did well too," said Nadal.

"For sure there's satisfaction, but at the same time I don't have time to celebrate. I play New York in one week."

With 8 titles this year, Nadal is undoubtedly the best player. Having captured the French Open once again and wrestled the Wimbledon trophy from Roger Federer's grasp in what most are calling the best ever final, he has finally got his name wedged firmly in the history books. At least Federer can take some comfort in the fact his reign has come to an end thanks to a worthy successor.

"That's what I expected and hoped for many years ago when I got to number one, that if ever 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, and then like this he can take number one," Federer said.

"I didn't want it to happen that I would play completely bad and somebody would pick up number one in the world. So I think Rafa totally deserves it."