Rafael Nadal confirmed as year-end world No1 after Roger Federer beats Novak Djokovic in ATP Finals

RAFAEL NADAL will end 2019 as the world No1 after Roger Federer gave his long-term rival a helping hand.

Going into tonight’s clash between Federer and Novak Djokovic, the Serb knew he was still in with a chance of claiming the coveted prize.

Djokovic would have had to win the ATP Finals and Nadal would have to be knocked out before the final.

Any other outcome meant that Nadal would be No1.

So when Federer outclassed Djokovic in their 49th contest and first since the epic Wimbledon, asserting revenge for the SW19 classic, Nadal’s glory was sealed in a year where he also enjoyed off-court success, marrying long-term girlfriend Xisca Perello in October.

It is the fifth time Rafa will finish the season as the top dog following 2008, 2010, 2013 and 2017 – matching Federer, Djokovic and Jimmy Connors’ hauls and moving one behind record-holder Pete Sampras.

So far he has picked up four titles – two Grand Slams at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows as well as the Masters 1000s in Rome and Montreal.

And the Spaniard, 33, will now be desperate to complete the season by winning the title at the season finale for the first time in his career.

To have any chance of progressing through his group, though, he must beat Stefanos Tsitsipas and hope Daniil Medvedev overcomes Alexander Zverev.

Any other combination of results will see Nadal knocked out.

Djokovic was asked if the looming quest for the world No1 crown had affected him this week following his defeat to Federer.

He said: “It was on the line. Of course that was a big motivation also for the end of the season.

“Every time you step on the court, you know there is something on the line, at least on the highest level in tennis.

“I feel pressure and excitement all the time, every single match, especially if I play against the best players in the world.”