Paris Masters | Rafael Nadal beats Hyeon Chung to secure No.1 spot in 2017

Though Roger Federer pulling out of the tournament played a huge role in the Spaniard’s position, his South Korean opponent made sure Nadal didn’t get it easy. Chung was leading 4-2 after initial breaks were exchanged before Nadal rallied from a 0-40 deficit to break his lead.

The youngster then pulled one back to level points at 5-5 with Nadal serving for the set in the ninth game. Experience won the battle over grit as Nadal opened up a 0-40 lead on Chung’s serve in the 12th game, eventually clinching it with a forehand winner as the match ticked into the hour mark.

Nadal was in ninth place when he started the year, and after French Open and US open victories, now sees himself 1,460 points clear of Swiss world number two Roger Federer in the world rankings. It looked unlikely for someone who had to pull out from the French Open last year, then miss Wimbledon with a wrist injury and eventually end his season as early as in October.

In other games, French world number 15 Jo-Wilfried Tsonga lost in the second round to Julien Benneteau 2-6 7-6 6-2, while US Open runner-up Kevin Anderson's run came to an end as he was ousted by Spain’s Fernando Verdasco 5-7 6-4 7-5.