The no. 1 trophy is finally presented to Rafael Nadal today in the Pista Central (central court) of the Masters Series of Madrid.The tennis player from Majorca reached the first place in the ranking on 18th August.
"Rafa's achievement of the no. 1 place in the South African Airways ATP Ranking is the reward for a fantastic career in a complicated year."
"His great season on clay, where he was undefeated, and his good results on grass this year have confirmed him as a great player on all surfaces."
"Putting an end to Federer's reign has been a small great deed but, now, the best player in the world and all tennis fans hope that both players keep competing with each other in one of the strongest rivalries in the sports world," commented Etienne de Villiers, ATP's CEO who presented the award to Nadal.
The Masters Series of Madrid will be the first ATP tournament Nadal plays in Spain as no. 1."We are delighted that the ATP has chosen our court to hand over the trophy. Rafa is loved in every country, but here specially. Tennis public in Madrid has always supported him," commented Manuel Santana, tournament director.The ceremony will be accompanied by the acrobatic show of "Dream2".
Today, the matches of the tournament's final draw start as well. If the draw is favourable chances are good that Nadal will make his debut in the singles draw on Tuesday 14th October at 8 p.m.
He will also play in the doubles draw with Carlos Moya.
(Image by PEDRO ARMESTRE/AFP/Getty Images)
