Rafael Nadal clinched the year-end No. 1 ranking for the third time by defeating Stanislas Wawrinka 7-6 (5), 7-6 (6) Wednesday at the ATP finals.
Nadal, who beat Wawrinka for the 12th straight match, can't be overtaken by No. 2 Novak Djokovic. It's the first time since 2010 that the Spaniard, who returned from a seven-month injury layoff in February, will end the year as the top-ranked player.
Nadal advanced to the semifinals of the year-end tournament because of his straight-set victory over the Swiss. He is bidding to win the ATP finals for the first time.
- AP
