At the start of 1990, nothing showed that this would become Stefan's year. The Australian Open again was a big disappointment. Though he played superb tennis and beat countryman Wilander 6-1, 6-1, 6-2 in the Semis, another injury prevented him from gaining his third Australian title. What a tremendous setback that was.

In a sportive way, the French Open wasn't much better: Round 1 knock out against Sergi Bruguera. Edberg had now put all his hopes on Wimbledon. For the third time in a row he made it to the Finals and again Boris Becker stood at the other side of the net. The match was like a roller coaster. Five sets later it was Stefan who held the beautiful trophy once more: 6-2, 6-2, 3-6, 3-6, 6-4. He continued to hold his great form. After Wimbledon he was unbeaten in fourteen matches. This resulted in the long awaited number 1 spot on the ATP Rankings. On August 13 the Ranking Computer showed a new player at the top: Stefan Edberg. Another of
his dreams had come true.

He had a hard time living up to his ranking position: knock out at the US Open in Round 1. It was now up to Becker to throw the Swede from the top spot. In Paris-Bercy Becker had the chance: should he win the tournament, the number 1 spot was his. The Final against Edberg would be a disappointment for the German: an injury made him retire at 3-3. At the ATP-Finals in Frankfurt (previously known as the Masters) Stefan was eventually beaten by glamour boy Agassi. Nevertheless Edberg was very happy with his performance over the year. The title "Sporter of the year" only confirmed that.

On the ATP World Ranking List he ended the year at position 1.