London - The world number one pair of Rafael Nadal and Jelena Jankovic lifted top honours for the 2008 season as the each received world champion honours from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).

Nadal, winner of a fourth straight Roland Garros title as well as Wimbledon and the Olympic gold medal, swept the field on the men's side. The ITF makes the selections based upon ATP and WTA results combined with Grand Slams, Olympics, Davis Cup and Fed Cup play.

Nadal took over the top ATP ranking spot for the first time in August from from Roger Federer. "It has been an incredible year for me and I will never forget all that's happened," said the Spaniard.

"To finish the year ranked number one was really special. "It has been a wonderful year for Spanish sport, and I am happy to have been part of it."

Serbia's Jankovic finished top the women's rankings for the first time in her career, despite having never won a major title.

The closest Jankovic came to a Grand Slam this year was when she lost to Serena Williams in the final of the US Open.

Fellow Serb Nenad Zimonjic and Canadian doubles partner Daniel Nestor claimed the number one team spot for 2008. (dpa)