Daniil Medvedev Web

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For the first time since July 18, 2005, a player other than Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray has breached the Top 2 on the ATP rankings. Daniil Medvedev- a two-time Grand Slam finalist achieved the feat as he replaced Rafael Nadal as the new World No 2, behind Novak Djokovic.

Medvedev won the ATP tournament in Marseille on Sunday as he beat Frenchman Pierre-Hugues Herbert 6-4, 6-7 (4/7), 6-4 in the final. The Russian produced 13 aces and saved four of five break points to win the 10th title of his career.

It is great for the self-esteem- Medvedev

The Russian expressed his happiness after winning the tournament and breaking the long-standing Top-four monopoly.

Medvedev said, "I am really happy. I knew that I would become No 2 no matter what on Monday.

"It is always better when you step up the rankings when you do something great.

"I know that winning here didn't give me the points to become No. 2, but it is great for the self-esteem that just before becoming No. 2 on Monday, I win a tournament.”

The last non-Big 4 player to be ranked No.2 was Lleyton Hewitt. He was ranked two the week of 18 July 2005 and the last time he held that position was 24 July 2005, before Nadal replaced Hewitt on 25 July. Medvedev had already joined elite company just by reaching No. 3 after this year’s Australian Open, as Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray haven’t let many players into the Top 3 either.