Nadal closes in on top spot

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal is on the verge of finishing the year as the world number one after opening his ATP World Tour Finals campaign with a 6-3, 6-2 win over David Ferrer on Tuesday.

Nadal arrived at London’s O2 Arena still smarting from a surprise loss against fellow-Spaniard Ferrer in the semi-finals of the Paris Masters on Saturday, but he was quick to avenge that defeat with an emphatic victory in 74 minutes.

The win means the 27-year-old will be guaranteed to end 2013 top of the world rankings, ahead of Novak Djokovic, if he beats either Tomas Berdych or Stanislas Wawrinka in his remaining Group A fixtures at the prestigious season-ending event.

It will be the third time Nadal has finished a year as number one, but the first since 2010.

“They are never easy games against David Ferrer, the number three in the world. He is great and having an amazing career,” Nadal said.