Rafael Nadal presented with world No1 trophy after epic comeback win against Stefanos Tsitsipas at ATP Finals

RAFAEL NADAL was presented with the ATP year-end world No1 trophy – just minutes after his second comeback win of the week. The Spaniard came into his clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas knowing he had wrapped up the accolade and would be recognised after the match. That is because Roger Federer’s win over Novak Djokovic last […]

RAFAEL NADAL was presented with the ATP year-end world No1 trophy – just minutes after his second comeback win of the week.

The Spaniard came into his clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas knowing he had wrapped up the accolade and would be recognised after the match.

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That is because Roger Federer’s win over Novak Djokovic last night knocked the Serb out.

And therefore he could not overtake Nadal in the rankings this week – the final week of the season – regardless of Nadal’s result today.

In the end, Rafa put on a performance to prove why he is the world No1, fighting back from a set down once again to beat Greek Tsitsipas 6-7 6-4 7-5.

It is the fifth time Rafa will finish the season as the top dog following 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2017 – matching Federer, Djokovic and Jimmy Connors’ hauls and moving one behind record-holder Pete Sampras.

So far he has picked up four titles – two Grand Slams at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows as well as the Masters 1000s in Rome and Montreal.

And the Spaniard, 33, will now be desperate to complete the season by winning the title at the season finale for the first time in his career.

After all the things I went through in my career with injuries, I never thought at 33-and-a-half I would have this trophy in my hands again. It’s something really emotional for me.

Rafael Nadal

Speaking on court after being handed the trophy by outgoing ATP chief Chris Kermode, Nadal said: “It’s a real honour to receive this trophy.

“I am super happy. After all the things I went through in my career with injuries, I never thought at 33-and-a-half I would have this trophy in my hands again.

“It’s something really emotional for me, a lot of work, in the shadows to be where we are today and without all my team and family next to me, this thing would be impossible. Thank you for the support.”

Midway through his speech, Nadal had to put the weighty, gleaming silverware back on its plinth – it was “too heavy” – cue laughter from those inside the O2 Arena that stuck around to watch the ceremony.

In fairness to him, he had just finished his mammoth match with Tsitsipas which lasted a gruelling two hours and 52 minutes – the longest match of the ATP Finals.

Nadal continued: “There have been some bad moments and you have always been there.

“Like this year before Monte Carlo, without the support of all these people to my left things would have been different. They encourage me to keep going.

“This trophy is an achievement for all the year round.

“I have to say because it’s something I feel from the bottom of my heart, thank you to all the fans around the world whenever I play.”

Ironically, despite the win, Nadal’s place in the final four is not yet confirmed.

He is relying on already-eliminated Daniil Medvedev to beat Alexander Zverev in the evening session.

If the Russian does win, Nadal will take on Federer in the semi-final tomorrow afternoon.

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PA:Press Association