Federer back on top

Roger Federer has reclaimed his spot at the top of the tennis world, securing the year-end No. 1 ranking for the fifth time. The record 15-time Grand Slam champion is closing in on Pete Sampras’ all-time mark of six. Federer earned the top year-end ranking after winning his opening two matches at the season-ending tour finals in London. Rafael Nadal, who ended Federer’s five-year run as the end-of-season No. 1 last year, had a mathematical chance of overtaking Federer for the top spot but lost his opening match. Federer struggled in the 2008 season, but reached all four Grand Slams finals yet again in 2009 and won the French Open and Wimbledon.

– Associated Press