New World No.1 Rafa Nadal has posted a video message to his supporters after returning to top spot in the men’s ranking for the first time since July 2014.

The Spaniard, 15-time Grand Slam champion replaced Andy Murray at the top of the tree on Monday following a sensational year, in which he triumphed for a record 10th time at Roland Garros and reached the final of the Australian Open.

Nadal, who is currently in New York preparing for the final major of the season – the US Open – uploaded a video to his social media channels from the back of a car driving through the Big Apple.

“Today is a special day, going back to No.1, I’m very happy and many thanks for everything,” he said.

The 31-year-old, who has previously been atop of the rankings for 141 weeks during his illustrious career, is looking to win his third title at Flushing Meadows.