There are just two things of note regarding this tournament. The first, and most important, is that by defeating Hyeon Chung, 7-5, 6-3, he made sure of the year end number one ranking. "Number 1, huh? Well, that's a very nice number to end the season, for sure." The second thing is not so good. After struggling to beat Pablo Cuevas, 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3, it was clear that all was not well with his right knee. (He got it strapped at the end of the second set.) It was not a surprise, therefore, when he announced his withdrawal from the tournament the next day. "It's a very hard decision, a tough and sad situation. I tried my best. Treatment yesterday night but it's impossible to go on court." We now wait to see if he is able to compete at the Nitto ATP Finals which start on November 12. From the point of view of the rankings, however, he will end the year as number one whether he plays or not. It's an incredible achievement considering that he started the year ranked 10. It's his fourth time ending the year at the top and he is now the oldest player to hold that position at year end. Asked to define winning mentality he said, "Define winning mentality? It's not about winning mentality, no? It's about the passion for what you are doing. It's about the mentality of waking up every morning with the right motivation to go on court and improve something. That's the winning mentality, no?" Need I say more? Enhorabuena, Rafa |