Spaniard Rafael Nadal [ Images ] claimed to the No 1 position in the ATP Rankings on Monday, replacing his great rival Roger Federer [ Images ] of Switzerland [ Images ], who had held the top spot for a record 237 consecutive weeks (since February 2, 2004).

On the Indian front, Somdev Devvarman [ Images ] continued his ascent in the rankings, breaking into the top-250 after a quarter-final finish at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic.

Somdev, who lost 4-6, 1-6 to Russia's [ Images ] Igor Kunitsyn at the Washington ATP, climbed 75 places, and is now ranked 239 on the chart. He is the second highest-ranked Indian behind Prakash Amritraj [ Images ] (217).

Sania Mirza [ Images ] stepped up two places from last week, and is placed 63rd on the latest WTA rankings.

Nadal, who was ranked No 2 behind Federer for a record 160 consecutive weeks (since July 25, 2005), guaranteed himself the world No 1 ranking after reaching the semi-finals earlier this month at the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters in Cincinnati.

But Nadal celebrated his rise to the top sport in perfect fashion on Sunday, winning the Olympic [ Images ] singles gold medal in Beijing [ Images ].

"Nowhere in my best dreams I can imagine something like what I did this year," Nadal said in Beijing Sunday. "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, but the feeling doesn't change too much because the last years I did very well too. It is a satisfaction... I want to enjoy these two days probably, but later I have to be focused on New York [for the US Open [ Images ], which begins August 25]."

By earning the No 1 ranking, seven years after turning professional in 2001, the sport's ultimate warrior has vindicated his decision to improve on all surfaces in order to surpass Federer.