AN ATP MASTERS SERIES EVENT
11th - 19th OCTOBER
MMMM 2008 : 2008
NADAL, ATP KING
The Majorcan player was presented with the trophy by Manolo Santana confirming him as the number one player of the ATP.
Rafael Nadal now feels like the new boss of the ATP after receiving the trophy that confirms him as the number one in the world. The ceremony took place in the Central Court of the Mutua Madrileña Masters Madrid, which is his next challenge and will finish on October 19th.The Majorcan player reached the top of the world ranking after his victory in the Olympic Games, on August 18th last. Today, he has become the third Spaniard to receive the no.1 trophy, after Carlos Moya and Juan Carlos Ferrero. The celebration was livened up by the artistic group, Dream2. Fire, water and wind became the main features in the introduction act before the presentation of the trophy. The Mutua Madrileña Masters Madrid’s Central Court welcomed Nadal with acrobats, dancers and a live orchestra. After that, the moment came for Nadal who expressed that he was “living one of the most special moments in his life,” on a stage that he considers “his home” and where he has played one of his “best matches”, referring top his final in 2005 against Ljubicic. Nadal, who was handed the trophy by Santana, did not forget all the people that helped him on his way here, “which was very difficult”, and now his goal is to “work and follow the same path.” The Majorcan player, who has achieved eight titles this season, including those of Roland Garros and Wimbledon, pointed out that it is “very difficult to choose just one moment.” Nadal gave the perfect finale to the ceremony. As the great champion he is, he did a lap of honour as a gratitude gesture towards the fans who have always supported him. “It would not have been the same without them.” |