Former US Open champion Juan Martin Del Potro climbed two places to sixth in the ATP rankings released on Monday after he defeated Roger Federer in the Indian Wells final.
The 29-year-old handed Federer his first defeat of 2018 with a 6-4, 6-7 (8/10), 7-6 (7/2) victory on Sunday, extending his own win streak to 11 matches including a title run earlier this month at Acapulco.
Federer himself reclaimed top spot just a month ago and remains marginally ahead of his eternal Spanish rival Rafael Nadal, who missed the American tournament with a leg injury.
Del Potro, who was once one of tennis’ hottest young talents before his career was derailed by injuries, couldn’t believe he had beaten the world No 1 and 20-time Grand Slam champion.
“I’m still shaking,” Del Potro said after the final. “It’s difficult to describe with words. It’s like a dream. After all my problems, after all my surgeries, I couldn’t believe I’m here winning a Masters 1000 and beating Roger. It’s amazing.”
Here are the latest ATP rankings (top 10):
1. Roger Federer (SUI) 9660 pts
2. Rafael Nadal (ESP) 9370
3. Marin Cilic (CRO) 4905
4. Grigor Dimitrov (BUL) 4600
5. Alexander Zverev (GER) 4505
6. Juan Martín Del Potro (ARG) 4155 (+2)
7. Dominic Thiem (AUT) 3675 (-1)
8. Kevin Anderson (RSA) 3235 (+1)
9. David Goffin (BEL) 3190 (-2)
10. Lucas Pouille (FRA) 2420 (+2)
