Rafael Nadal: I never thought that at age 33 and a half I would be No 1 again

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal 2019 year-end No 1

Eleven years after he first achieved the feat, an emotional Rafael Nadal once again got his hands on the year-end No 1 trophy.

It was a bittersweet day for Nadal at ATP Finals on Friday as he first beat Stefanos Tsitsipas in his final Group Andre Agassi match as he kept his hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive.

After his 6-7 (4-7), 6-4, 7-5 victory over the Greek, he was awarded the season-ending No 1 trophy, but the night ended on a sad moment as Alexander Zverev’s win over Daniil Medvedev ended his semi-final chances.

However, for Nadal finishing the year as the No 1 – a fifth time that he has done so – is a great achievement.

“I am super happy,” the 19-time Grand Slam winner said. “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.

“So it’s something really, really emotional for me. A lot of work [goes on] in the shadows to be where we are today. And without all my family, who are here next to me, this would be impossible. I just want to say thank you very, very much everyone for the support.

“To all the fans and to all the ATP staff, we have a great Tour. All the workers make us feel great every single week, all around the world, so many thanks to all the people who work for the ATP and make the players and the fans enjoy a great Tour.”

He added: “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.

“I would like to thank, because it’s something I really feel from the bottom of my heart, all the fans, all around the world, who give me the support every single week that I am playing.”

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