Rafael Nadal pleased to reclaim number one spot

Rafael Nadal

World number two Rafael Nadal has said that he is pleased to reclaim the number one spot ahead of the China Open final against Novak Djokovic.

Nadal, who will replace Djokovic at the top irrespective of the result in the final, said that he considered his return to the throne ‘special’.

“This is a great year, one of the best years of my career without any doubt. It is sure is special be back to the top position of the rankings after more than a half year without playing tennis. I worked hard every day with the right attitude I think, and because of that, I am today in this situation. I am number one today, but it’s not for the end of the season,” Nadal told ATP Tour’s official website.

“I won’t go to sleep tonight feeling that I am the best player of the world. That’s something that I never thought, and I don’t – think that now today. I played a very complete season, and that’s why I am the best in the rankings today. If I am able to be number one at the end of the season, then, that’s an important achievement because I will be the best of the year – that’s something that really motivates me,” he added.

Nadal was given a free pass to the final after his opponent Tomas Berdych had to retire due to a back injury and will be looking to claim his 11th title of the season on Sunday.