Spanish ace Rafael Nadal has received the 2017 ATP World Tour No. 1 trophy by ATP Executive Chairman & President Chris Kermode on the first day of the Nitto ATP Finals tournament at the O2 Arena in London.
The 31-year-old Spaniard, who replaced British ace Andy Murray on 21 August, has guaranteed the year-end No. 1 ranking for a fourth time following 2008, 2010 and 2013.
Nadal, who received the award on Sunday, has enjoyed a stellar season, capturing six titles, including 2017 US Open, his 10th French Open title and two ATP Masters 1000s. He is the oldest player to finish year-end No. 1 in the ATP world rankings history.
"It's been a fantastic season, a very emotional one after all the things I've been going through the last couple of years. It's not something I could've thought of one year ago, so it means a lot to me," said Nadal during the presentation ceremony.
"None of this could've been possible without my family, my team... I can just say many thanks to all of them for the support. There have been some tough moments but everybody kept believing that things like this are possible again so without the work of all them, I wouldn't be back where I am today," he further added.
While praising the tennis fans the top seed Nadal said, "Without you, nothing would be the same, so thanks everybody for supporting our sport."
However, in 2017 Nitto ATP Finals day two, Nadal will be playing against Belgian ace David Goffin on 13 November, Monday.
