Almagro becomes the Top 10 player

25-year-old Nicolas Almagro beat  Nikolay Davydenko 7-6(2), 6-3 today in Barcelona (third round). Davydenko led 5:2* in the 1st set, but was able to win only two points in the following three games. Almagro thanks to this win advances to the Top 10 for the first time in his career, joining 16 compatriots to achieve such a feat in the Open era. The Spaniard could reach the Top 10 already last week, but lost a vital 3rd round match in Monte Carlo. “I knew that today’s match could have a special reward,” said Almagro, “It’s an incredible feeling. There’s no better place to achieve it than in my home club in front of my own people and my family and all the home support. It’s a great reward for myself and the work of my whole team.” Below list of Top 10 Spaniards in the Open era, in order of their appearances in this elite group, also their highest ranking beside the dash:

70’s
Manuel Orantes – No. 2

80’s
Jose Higueras – No. 6
Juan Aguilera – No. 7

90’s
Emilio Sanchez – No. 7
Sergi Bruguera – No. 3
Carlos Costa – No. 10
Alberto Berasategui – No. 7
Carlos Moya – No. 1
Albert Costa – No. 6
Alex Corretja – No. 2
Felix Mantilla – No. 10

00’s
Juan Carlos Ferrero – No. 1
Rafael Nadal – No. 1
David Ferrer – No. 4
Tommy Robredo – No. 5
Fernando Verdasco – No. 7

10’s
Nicolas Almagro – No. 10

Prior to Almagro, two other players reached the Top 10 for the first time  this year, 29-year-old Jurgen Melzer (31.01) and his peer Mardy Fish (18.04). They both are among the oldest players to debut in the Top 10 of the ATP ranking (working since 1973). Below a list of the five oldest first time Top 10’ers:

1. Tony Roche 30.2 (July 26, 1975)
2. Jurgen Melzer 29.8 (January 31, 2011)
3. Alex Metreveli 29.7 (June 3, 1974)
4. Mardy Fish 29.4 (April 18, 2011)
5. Radek Stepanek 27.7 (July 10, 2006)