Tennis News 2014: Nadal and Djokovic Continue to Reign While Federer and Murray Drop Down in the ATP World Rankings

Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic continue to reign in the latest Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) rankings that was announced on Monday. Nadal and Djokovic claimed the first and second places with 14,085 and 10,580 points, respectively.

Rafael Nadal of Spain smiles during a news conference ahead of the Rio Open 2014 tennis tournament in Rio de Janeiro February 14, 2014. The Rio Open tournament will be held between February 15 and 23. REUTERS/Sergio Moraes

After losing to Stanislas Wawrinka in the first Grand Slam tournament of 2014, the Australian Open, Nadal is back in the tennis court for the Rio Open. He defeated Daniel Gimeno-Traver 6-3, 7-5, in the first playoff of the said tournament. It was Nadal's 800^th match in his career, making him the sixth active player to reach the mark, AFP reported. He joined the likes of Roger Federer, Tommy Haas, Lleyton Hewitt, Nikolas Davydenko and David Ferrer.

Novak Djokovic, on the other hand, will compete in the Dubai Tennis Championships that will begin on Feb 24. Djokovic is also set to face Andy Murray at the BNP Paribas Open which will take place at the Madison Square Garden on March 3.

Novak Djokovic of Serbia reacts during a news conference after losing his men's singles quarter-final tennis match against Stanislas Wawrinka of Switzerland at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 21, 2014. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Aside from Nadal and Djokovic who were able to retain the top two places, Swiss No 1 Wawrinka achieved his all-time career-high singles ranking at the third spot. He officially reached the position after he won his first-ever Grand Slam tournament during the 2014 Australian Open.

David Ferrer and Tomas Berdych climb up the ATP rankings, positioned at fourth and sixth places, respectively.

Roger Federer of Switzerland (R) talks with Andy Murray of Britain after their men's singles quarter-final tennis match at the Australian Open 2014 tennis tournament in Melbourne January 22, 2014. REUTERS/Bobby Yip

Former Wimbledon champions Roger Federer and Andy Murray dropped down to seventh and eight spots with 4,795 and 4,305 points, individually.

Here's the complete list of ATP Rankings as of Feb 17:

1. Rafael Nadal - 14,085

2. Novak Djokovic - 10,580

3. Stanislas Wawrinka - 5,620

4. David Ferrer - 5,440

5. Juan Martin del Potro - 4,960

6. Tomas Berdych - 4,950

7. Andy Murray - 4,795

8. Roger Federer - 4,305

9. Richard Gasquet - 2,950

10. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga - 2,885

It is early in the year yet, all the players will have more opportunity to pick up points in 2014 tournaments. The important thing to do is to keep playing well and win more Grand Slam events.

MEET IBT NEWS FROM BELOW CHANNELS