Nadal reclaims No 1 ranking to cap remarkable comeback
Spaniard Rafael Nadal will return to number one in the world rankings after his semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych retired injured at the China Open yesterday, capping an astonishing comeback for the 13-time grand slam champion.
Spaniard Rafael Nadal will return to number one in the world rankings after his semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych retired injured at the China Open yesterday, capping an astonishing comeback for the 13-time grand slam champion.
Nadal needed to make the final in Beijing to edge ahead of Novak Djokovic in the new rankings, which will be announced by the ATP tomorrow.
Nadal, who last topped the rankings in July 2011, has enjoyed a remarkable season, returning from injury to dominate the hardcourt tournaments.
Sure is special be back to the top position of the ranking after more than a half year without playing tennis
He will overtake defending China Open champion Djokovic at the top.
Nadal, 27, said after the match that returning to top spot had capped "a great year, one of the best years of my career without any doubt".
"Sure is special be back to the top position of the ranking after more than a half year without playing tennis," he added.
"I felt during all the season very excited every time I go on court."
Djokovic is currently on his 101st week as the top-ranked player.