Rafael Nadal won the semifinal by default, as opponent Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic retired at 2-4 due to injury, to reach the final at the China Open, thereby securing his return to the World No. 1 spot in the Emirates singles ranking.
Rafa played well before the end of the match, breaking Berdych’s serve twice. Although he was broken back once, he seemed to be in form and ready to take the first set. At 4-2 (Rafa), however, Berdych sought a trainer and then took an MTO off court. He returned to the match but could not sustain his level of play and retired.
Rafa will next play the winner of the semifinal between Novak Djokovic and Richard Gasquet at the China Open Final.
World No. 1 Rafael Nadal – it has a great ring to it! We are so proud of you, Rafa! Vamos!
Photos: Sohu.com, Sina.com, Getty Images
ERES EL MEJOR Y PUNTO. FELICITACIONES RAFA… T AMO
Rafa, nunca dejaste de ser el # 1 !!!! Sufriste, padeciste, luchaste y lo lograste !!!! Ejemplo de ser humano, gracias Rafa !!
Volvió el rey del tennis… felicitaciones. no solamente como jugador sino como ser humano!
Parabéns Rafa. Você é o melhor do mundo. Vamos Rafa!
Congratulations! I like it when #1 is really the best in the world! This makes this 80 year old grandmother very happy! Do take care of your health and those knees! God bless you!
I am so happy of this victory, Rafa
Vamos Rafa !!!!!!! Congratulazioni ma per me sei sempre stato numero 1!!
I am a big Rafael Nadal fan- ecstatic about his being number 1 again–he is the best player ever in the history of tennis as far as I am concerned !!!!!!!
No 1 ,2, or 3 Rafa you will always be my hereo.
vamos rafa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! vamooooooooooooooooos
i am so happy for rafa, he deserves to be no.1 as he is definitely the best.
Only Joker to be dumped in the final. No 1 again. God bless U.
Vamos GOAT! Now beat the Djoker too, once again!
How wonderful I’m so pleased-it had made my day-long may he continue to no 1. Vamos Rafa-my hero has made it!!
We all wish he played longer, but he DESERVES it! Vamossss Rafaaaaaa! WE are POUD of YOU and of being NADALISTAS!
return of the king vamos
Vamos!!
Vaaammmooooooooooooooosss!!!!!!
Thank You, CAMPEON! we are so proud of you!!! CONGRATULATIONS to you & the team!!! Now a nice day of rest so tomorrow you can win the final & make it a beatiful ELEVEN TITLES! VAAAMOOOSSS KIIING, VAAAMOOOSSS RAAAFAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
well done Rafa. you deserve to be number 1 with the year you have had. VAMOS RAFA 🙂