(dpa) - Rafael Nadal will replace Roger Federer as the the world's number-one ranked tennis player in just over a fortnight after defeating Nicolas Lapentti 7-6 (7-3), 6- 1 in a Friday quarter-final at the Cincinnati Masters.
Federer has held the top ranking for an unprecedented four and a half years.
Nadal insured himself the promotion on August 18 through the victory. If he can win the title on Sunday he can claim number one on Monday, a week before the start of the Beijing Olympics.
Lapentti, ranked 89th after standing inside the top 10 in 1999, last played a Masters Series quarter-final six years ago in Miami.
Federer's loosening grip on the top ranking was finally dislodged with his defeat in the third round at the hands of Croatian Ivo Karlovic.