MADRID, Oct 19: Rafael Nadal became the first Spaniard to secure the men’s year-end No 1 ranking on Saturday despite losing in the Madrid Masters semi-finals.

Nadal toppled Roger Federer from top spot in August and after the Swiss also perished in the last four in Madrid the five-time Grand Slam champion was guaranteed to finish the season on top of the ATP rankings.

Saturday’s defeat meant it would be the first time since 2003 that Federer would not end the year as world No 1.

“To become No 1 one during the year was one of my goals and it is important to have achieved it,” said Nadal.

“Moreover, if you finish the year as No 1 it is even more special,” added the 22-year-old.

“I am also very happy to bring something more to Spanish sport, something for Spanish history and for our great tennis tradition.”—Reuters