ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal honoured with year-end No 1 trophy for the fifth time

Spanish tennis star Rafael Nadal was honoured with the ATP year-end No 1 trophy for the fifth time in his career on Friday. Nadal first held this trophy in the 2008 season. His position was solidified when Roger Federer beat Novak Djokovic on November 15 in the Group Stage of the ATP Finals. Nadal had replaced Djokovic as the new No 1 on November 4. 

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"Never expected to have the trophy in my hands at 33"

Rafael Nadal was felicitated with the trophy in an on-court ceremony at the ATP Finals. The Spaniard thanked his fans for the immense support that is showered his way every time he comes out to play. He also mentioned how he never expected himself to hold the trophy at the age of 33. Nadal referred to the injuries he has suffered and credited his family for helping him through the tough times so that he could capture this trophy for the fifth time in his career. Nadal is one year-end trophy away from tieing Pete Sampras' record of six year-end trophies. He is also the oldest player to have won the trophy, since its inception in 1973.

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Nadal previously held the trophy in the seasons of 2008, 2010, 2013, and 2017. Nadal's 2019 win has made him the first player to have held and lost the trophy on four occasions. The 11-year gap between his first and most recent trophy is also a record. Other players who have won the trophy five times are American Jimmy Connors, Swiss Roger Federer, and Serbian Novak Djokovic.

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Chris Kermode, who will not be serving as the ATP Executive Chairman and President after this season, acknowledged Nadal's achievement and added that the title is one of the 'toughest achievements in all sport.' Kermode conveyed congratulations to the Spaniard on behalf of the ATP and himself. Since the trophy's inception in 1973, it has had only 17 holders. Kermode presented Nadal with the trophy at the ceremony on Friday and was thanked by Nadal for his contribution to the sport.

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