Rafael Nadal will end the 2017 season the world number one after he defeated Hyeon Chung 7-5 6-3 to advance to the third round in Paris.
Despite being an early break of down in the first set Nadal attempted to remain calm and immediately gained the break back for 2-2.
The Spaniard broke for 4-2 and looked to seal the first set comfortably with his aggressive groundstrokes. However Chung managed to produce amazing shots at the net to gain the break back in the ninth game.
However the Spaniard broke the South Korean to love in the twelfth game to seal an exhilarating set 7-5 in just over an hour.
The world number 55 managed to stay in touching distance with his Spanish rival as he endured 12 minute service games as he tried to beat Nadal at his own game.
However the 15 time grand slam found a way through in the eighth game as he was serving for the match at 5-3 in the second set.
A missed forehand from Chung saw Nadal seal the match and a place in the third round. The win also means he will end the year world number one for a fourth time in his career.
“I am very happy. It has been an amazing year,” said Nadal who this time last year ended his season early due to injury.
“I never dreamed about being world number one at the end of the season this time last year. It means a lot to me.” The Spaniard added as he has now achieved the year end world number one ranking four times after previously achieving it in 2008, 2010 and 2013.
Rafael Nadal thoroughly deserves this achievement and has clearly been player of the year. He will now Pablo Cuevas in the third round in Paris.
