On this day: Nadal becomes world No.1 for the first time

From 2005 to the middle of 2008, Rafael Nadal was on the top of his game, but there was always just one person standing in the way of the coveted world No. 1 ranking: Roger Federer.

But after winning scores of tournaments, giving Federer his first serious challenge since his ascension as a great in the game—and defeating the Swiss in an unforgettable Wimbledon final in 2008—Nadal would finally supplant his rival in the rankings on August 18, 2008.

Federer's grasp on the tour finally relented in 2008; the first sign was at the Australian Open, where he lost to an upstart Serbian named Novak Djokovic. Meanwhile, Nadal continued to roar through the clay-court season, capturing titles in Monte Carlo, Barcelona and Hamburg. Then, at Roland Garros, the Spaniard demolished Federer in a lopsided final to capture his fourth French Open title.

Nadal reached the Wimbledon final in 2006 and 2007, falling to Federer both times. This time around, he was ready. After two rain delays, five sets and the setting sun, Nadal finally held his first Wimbledon trophy, and defeated his biggest rival in the process. The No. 1 spot was in sight.

In Nadal's next tournament, Toronto, he won take the title and marking his 29th straight win. Federer's hold on the top spot then fell, seeing the 22-year-old become world No. 1.

More than a decade later Nadal is still one of the best players in the world—to say nothing of Federer and Djokovic. And 11 years later, Nadal snatched his fifth title at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Canada.