Today in History: Wilander’s Epic Journey to No. 1 Following a Stellar 1988
The Swedish sensation captured seven major titles, culminating in his ascent to the top of the PIF ATP Rankings.
September 12, 2025
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Mats Wilander achieved No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings on September 12, 1988, after winning seven major titles.
By ATP Staff
In a nearly flawless season, Mats Wilander rose to No. 1 in the PIF ATP Rankings. Following his victory at the US Open—his third major title of 1988—the Swede dethroned Ivan Lendl, who had held the top position for an impressive 157 weeks, making his No. 1 debut on September 12.
For a significant portion of the 1980s, Wilander consistently challenged the elite but had yet to claim the top spot—until his remarkable year where he dominated by winning three Grand Slam titles.
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At just 23, Wilander was already a four-time major champion and ranked World No. 3 at the start of 1988. Despite a strong early season—highlighted by title wins at the Australian Open and in Key Biscayne—Lendl maintained firm control atop the rankings. However, with Wilander’s tremendous performances, he quickly rose to No. 2.
Famed for his adaptability on any surface, Wilander showcased his brilliance on the clay courts of Roland Garros, where he clinched his sixth Grand Slam title. After a tough quarter-final exit at Wimbledon, he bounced back during the North American hard-court swing, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown in New York.
By the time the US Open rolled around, both Wilander and Lendl were in peak form, fresh off title wins in Cincinnati and Toronto, respectively. Their head-to-head record had been tight early on, but Lendl had gained the upper hand with six consecutive victories leading up to their New York encounter.
As both athletes navigated their way through the tournament, anticipation mounted for the final, a battle not just for the title, but for the coveted No. 1 spot as well. In an epic showdown lasting nearly five hours, Wilander emerged victorious in a gripping five-set battle, marking his historic rise to the top of the PIF ATP Rankings.
“I felt like I was the best player in the world during 1988, but once I got labeled No. 1, I struggled tremendously with that pressure,” Wilander reflected in a 2020 interview with ATPTour.com.
Wilander maintained the No. 1 ranking for 20 weeks, culminating in his only ATP Year-End No. 1 presented by PIF finish that same year. He briefly lost the top spot back to Lendl in January 1989 after a stellar run to his first Australian Open title. Although he never recaptured that same level of success, Wilander would secure one more tour-level title in Itaparica in 1990 before retiring in 1996.
