By Erik Gudris / November 6, 2013
Rafael Nadal sealed his third career year end No. 1 ranking with a straight sets win over Stanislas Wawrinka at
the ATP World Tour Finals.
Photo Credit: Kieran Galvin and Rob Newell/CameraSport
This time last year, many wondered about the future of Rafael Nadal. Twelve months later, there is no doubt.
Competing at this week's Barclays ATP World Tour Finals in London, Nadal only needed one more win to secure the year-end top ranking. Standing in his way was Stanislas Wawrinka. The Swiss No. 2 was seeking not only his first win against the Spaniard, but also his first ever set, having lost in straights in 11 previous meetings.
Nadal came out amped up early in the first set. That included this near miracle save at 3-2 that brought the crowd to its feet.
Nadal secured the first break in the opening set to jump ahead to a 4-2 lead. He would serve for the set at 5-4, but Wawrinka responded to level things at 5-all with a forceful forehand winner. Nadal would eventually edge past his opponent to take the first set 7-6(5).
Nadal leapt ahead to a 4-1 lead in the second set, but Wawrinka refused to give in. Showing the firepower and resolve that propelled him to his first appearance at the elite season-ending event, Wawrinka evened things up at 4-all.
The Swiss forced the Spaniard into another tiebreak, and again, Nadal took control early with a double mini-break advantage. Wawrinka did not yield and roared back to hold a set point. But Nadal came through in the clutch, saving the set point and fighting for his first match point.
A netted forehand from Wawrinka allowed Nadal to celebrate the 7-6(5), 7-6(6) victory that not only booked his place in the semifinals, but also, the year-end No. 1 ranking.
Wawrinka actually won more points (83 to 80) and hit more winners that Nadal in the match (30 to 14). But Nadal found a way to win, as he so regularly does.
This year marks the third time Nadal has finished No. 1 in the world. He achieved the same feat in 2008 and 2010.
"At the end of the year it is much better to finish the year No. 1 than No. 2," Nadal said. "It is a very important win, and I am happy that I finished the match playing more aggressive."
Berdych Beats Ferrer To Keep Semis Hopes Alive
In the second match of the day, Tomas Berdych took on David Ferrer in "Group A" action.
Despite dropping his opening round robin match earlier in the week due, in part to poor serving, Berdych improved his potent weapon just in time for his meeting against Ferrer. Berdych did not face a break point during the entire match.
The Czech secured one break of serve in each set to eventually close out a 6-4, 6-4 win in just under 90 minutes.
Berdych now finds himself at 1-1 in round robin play while Ferrer drops to 0-2 in Group A.