On This Day: Ferrero Ascends to No. 1 Following Epic Agassi Duel at the US Open
The Spanish star enjoyed a remarkable eight-week reign at the top, bridging the eras of Agassi and Roddick.
Date: September 08, 2025
Image Credit: Getty Images
Juan Carlos Ferrero’s impressive performance in Madrid back in 2003.
Written by Arthur Kapetanakis
Although Juan Carlos Ferrero fell short in the 2003 US Open final, he received the ultimate reward the very next day—his first appearance at No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. On September 8, 2003, Ferrero reached the pinnacle of men’s tennis, laying the groundwork for this achievement the previous season.
His journey to the top began with a stellar performance at the 2002 ATP Masters Cup, now known as the Nitto ATP Finals, where he finished the year ranked World No. 4. Just one set separated him from the trophy in Shanghai (losing to Hewitt), but he made headlines by clinching four titles in a breakout 2023 season.
Ferrero celebrated his sole Grand Slam victory at Roland Garros that year and secured triumphs at the ATP Masters 1000 events in Monte-Carlo and Madrid. Although he initially faced challenges following his French Open triumph, he rose to the occasion at the US Open—where he had never advanced past the fourth round before—to achieve his World No. 1 status.
In a gritty display at the New York final, Ferrero managed just one match win in straight sets out of six. A thrilling four-set win over 2001 US Open victor Lleyton in the quarter-finals set him up for a semi-final clash with World No. 1, Andre Agassi—a match that turned into a battle for the top ranking.
With a 6-4, 6-3, 3-6, 6-4 victory over the hometown favorite, Ferrero secured his status as the new No. 1.
“I put in a lot of effort to earn this No. 1 spot,” said the Spaniard, who completed four matches within four days to finish his rain-affected US Open journey. “I’m incredibly happy to be at the top.”
Throughout his eight-week reign, Ferrero solidified his position by clinching the Madrid title, though his reign was eventually interrupted by Roddick, who made his own No. 1 debut in November.
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