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Rafael Nadal will close 2017 ATP World Tour as world No. 1

By Harry Floyd

PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Chung Hyeon of South Korea during Day 3 of the Rolex Paris Masters held at the AccorHotels Arena on November 1, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - NOVEMBER 01: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates a point against Chung Hyeon of South Korea during Day 3 of the Rolex Paris Masters held at the AccorHotels Arena on November 1, 2017 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images) /
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Rafael Nadal has clinched the year-end world No. 1 ranking. The Spanish superstar wins his Paris Masters opener to secure the honor.

Rafael Nadal will close out the 2017 ATP World Tour as the year-end world No. 1.

The Spanish superstar wins his opener at the Paris Masters against Hyeon Chung of South Korea. Nadal takes the meeting in straight sets, winning 7-5, 6-3.

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The path toward the year-end top ranking was set for Nadal when Roger Federer withdrew from action at the 2017 Paris Masters. Federer is resting and preparing for play at the ATP Finals in London.

Rafael Nadal is the year-end world No. 1 for the fourth time in his career.

2017 has been a fantastic year for the Spanish tennis star. The world No. 1 has six ATP singles titles on the year including two Grand Slams. He won at both the French Open and the US Open. The title at Roland-Garros was his 10th.

Up next for Nadal at the Paris Masters is Pablo Cuevas. The Uruguayan tennis veteran has had two strong matches so far in Paris. His meeting with Nadal will, however, be the most difficult of them yet. Looking at their career head-to-head, the Spanish superstar is 3-1 against Cuevas. The Uruguayan has played Nadal competitively throughout their matches and the round of 16 meeting should be a thrilling one for those in attendance.

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Rafael Nadal’s work is not over yet. The year-end top ranking is quite the honor, but now the tennis star must look ahead to the 2017 ATP Finals in London. Winning more matches in Paris will help boost his confidence going into the end of year tournament.

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Throughout his career, Nadal is yet to win a title at the ATP Finals. Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer have been the dominant forces at the tournament throughout the past decade. While Federer will seek his seventh title at the ATP Finals, Nadal will aim for his first. The 2017 ATP World Tour has been defined by the play of both Nadal and Federer. It is only fitting that the two will headline the play in London. Look for Rafael Nadal to continue in fine form this week and check back for updates on all of the action at the 2017 Paris Masters and ATP Finals.

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