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Rafael Nadal finishes as year-end No. 1 in ATP Rankings
Last updated on Nov 16, 2019, 03:54 pm
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Rafael Nadal might have bowed out of the ongoing ATP Finals in London.
However, he went on to secure the number one spot in the year-end rankings for a fifth time.
The Spaniard received his ATP Tour No. 1 trophy from ATP Executive Chairman and President Chris Kermode.
Here are further details on Nadal and his achievement.
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Support
Nadal thanks one and all for the tremendous support
![Nadal thanks one and all for the tremendous support]( "Nadal thanks one and all for the tremendous support")
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"This trophy is an achievement for all year round, so personally today I can't thank you all enough for all the support for this match [today] and all the time I have been playing here in London," said Nadal, during the on-court ceremony.
"I would like to thank, because it's something I really feel from the bottom of my heart," he added.
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Number one
Nadal enjoyed a terrific 2019 campaign
![Nadal enjoyed a terrific 2019 campaign]( "Nadal enjoyed a terrific 2019 campaign")
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Nadal had earlier replaced Novak Djokovic as the world number one on November 4.
He enjoyed a stellar season, capturing four titles.
He pocketed two Grand Slams and two ATP Masters 1000s.
The Spaniard has compiled a 53-7 match record in 2019, following his victory on Friday over Stefanos Tsitsipas.
At 33, Nadal is the oldest player to finish year-end No. 1.
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Records
Records scripted by Nadal after lifting fifth trophy
![Records scripted by Nadal after lifting fifth trophy]( "Records scripted by Nadal after lifting fifth trophy")
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He had previously finished atop in 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2017.
Nadal became the first player to hold, lose and regain the year-end No. 1 on four occasions.
He is now the first player to finish No. 1 five times in non-consecutive years.
Nadal equaled Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Jimmy Connors in terms of finishing at the pinnacle of men's professional tennis.
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Quote
Nadal in disbelief after lifting trophy
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"I am super happy," said Nadal. "Honestly, after all the things that I went through in my career, in terms of injury, I never thought that at the age of 33 and a half, I would have this trophy in my hands again."
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ATP Finals
Nadal bowed out of ATP Finals despite beating Tsitsipas
![Nadal bowed out of ATP Finals despite beating Tsitsipas]( "Nadal bowed out of ATP Finals despite beating Tsitsipas")
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Nadal had defeated Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-7 (4/7), 6-4, 7-5 in his final round-robin match at the London O2 Arena.
However, defending champion Alexander Zverev's win against Daniil Medvedev meant he had to exit the tournament before the semi-final stage.
Zverev enjoyed a 6-4, 7-6 (7/4) win which helped him qualify for the semi-finals from Group Andre Agassi alongside Tsitsipas.
