What a year 2013 has been for Rafael Nadal!  After starting the season in a cloud of mystery surrounding his knee injury, the Spaniard missed the Australian Open and saw his ranking drop out of the top 4 for the first time in 8 years.  However, after a stunning return to form in which he claimed the French Open and US Open, Nadal has come on strong in the second half of this year.  He is now ranked number 1 in the ATP rankings, ahead of Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.

Djokovic began the year in charge as the top-ranked tennis player, winning the Australian Open.  He also performed well in the other Grand Slams, reaching 2 finals and a semifinal, though he will surely be disappointed to have not won more titles this year, especially after seeing his rank drop to second.  He was able to prove this ranking wrong, however, as he defeated Nadal in the ATP World Tour Finals in London!  It sets up for a brilliant rivalry in 2014!

Nadal’s return to form has been tremendous this year!
Photo Credit: © Nadal News

For the women’s WTA rankings, the story all year long was about Serena Williams.  After beginning the year as the 3^rd ranked player and stumbling out of the Australian Open to youngster Sloane Stephens, Williams eventually won several events and claimed the top rank, becoming the oldest woman to hold the position in modern times.  She would go on to win the French Open and the US Open, and never looked back.  Only Victoria Azarenka has been much of a competition for Williams this year.  Having just capped 2013 off with victory at the WTA Tour Championships in Istanbul, Serena Williams is the undisputed owner of this prestigious top rank!

Aged 32, Serena Williams proved that she has still got it in 2013!
Photo Credit: © Yann Caradec

The new year will surely bring about a new plate of surprises and challenges for these top-ranked players and all their competitors.

View Championship Tennis Tours 2014 tennis calendar.

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Nicholas Spiller

Nicholas Spiller has enjoyed the sport of tennis for many years.An enthusiast who covers all major sports, he finds tennis to be one of the most pleasant and inspirational games around to watch. He also spends his time as a musician in Los Angeles.

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