Nadal first to qualify for ATP tour finals

Rafael Nadal has booked his place at the World Tour finals after winning a record eighth French Open title, the ATP said on Monday. Nadal has staged a spectacular comeback after being sidelined for seven months with a knee injury from June last year. Since returning in February, he has reached the final in all of the nine events he has played, winning seven titles including Indian Wells and the Madrid and Rome Masters Series.

The 27-year-old is fifth in the world rankings, but is first in the Race standings that are based on the calendar year’s results. He has already guaranteed a top-eight finish and a place at the end-of-season showpiece event in London. ‘Nadal has now qualified for the ATP World Tour Finals nine straight years,’ the ATP said.