Rafael Nadal has reached the final of the China Open and reclaimed his position at the top of the ATP Tour world rankings.
The 27-year-old had entered the tournament in Beijing aware that he would overtake Novak Djokovic in the standings if he could progress through to the final.
The left-hander was expected to face a tough test against world number five Tomas Berdych, but the Czech Republic player was forced to retire injured from their encounter midway through the first set.
Nadal, who finds himself as the world number one for the first time since July 2011, will face Djokovic in the final if the Serbian player can beat Richard Gasquet.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
