Rafael Nadal praises uncle Toni after being named ITF World Champion
RAFAEL NADAL says being named the World Champion of tennis is a “special feeling”.
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Nadal was today crowned the best tennis player of 2017 by the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
The Spaniard beat Roger Federer to the award to be named World Champion for the first time since 2010.
Nadal won the French Open and US Open titles this year, taking his Grand Slam haul to 16.
Spanish compatriot Garbine Muguruza was named the women’s World Champion.
And Nadal also reserved praise for his uncle Toni, who finished being the player’s coach late this year.
Rafael Nadal's celebration after beating Stan Wawrinka in the French Open final
Sun, June 11, 2017Rafael Nadal collapsed to the clay in celebration after beating Stan Wawrinka in the final of the French Open
Rafael Nadal struggles to contain his emotions after winning the French Open
Congrats also to Garbine
“I am very happy to receive this award from the ITF and be the 2017 ITF World Champion,” Nadal said.
“It is four years since I last finished No 1 on the ATP rankings and this has a special feeling.
“Congrats also to Garbine on her achievement which is great for our country.
“Many thanks to my team and my fans, and a special thank you to my uncle Toni for all these years.”
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Nadal beat Federer to the end-of-year world No 1 spot on the ATP Tour.
But a knee injury forced him to withdraw form the ATP World Tour Finals in London last month.
Nadal is eyeing another crack at the Australian Open - a tournament he has won only once before - in January.
The 31-year-old reached the final in Melbourne this year but lost to Federer 4–6, 6–3, 1–6, 6–3, 3–6.
