Nadal handed Madrid title

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(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal won his first European clay title of the season and 27th Masters tournament victory of his career at the Madrid Open after his opponent Kei Nishikori was forced to retire through injury.

Nadal had won seven straight games to lead 3-0 in the third set when the match was halted having lost the first set 6-2 and come from a break down to win the second 6-4.

Nishikori had struggled with a back spasm in Saturday's dramatic semifinal victory over Nadal's fellow Spaniard, David Ferrer, and the injury returned to haunt him on Sunday.

Although disappointed to lose his first Masters final in in such an unfortunate manner, the Japanese can take comfort from his performances this week which will see him break into the world top 10 for the first time when the latest rankings are released Monday.

Nishikori out-played Nadal for a set and a half with some aggressive shot making and big winners.

After the trainer was called seven games into the second set, however, it was clear that Nishikori's movement was inhibited.

Nadal capitalized to break twice and level the match at a set apiece.

The third set was an anti-climax by comparison with Nadal easing ahead of his injured opponent before Nishikori decided he couldn't continue.

"I am very disappointed about what happened today in this final," said Nishikori after the match.

"Unfortunately, I was hurting already and I tried to fight but Rafa was too good today, so congratulations to him."

As ever, Nadal was gracious in victory.

"I'm very sorry for Nishikori. He's an unbelievable player that will fight to be in London (at the ATP World Tour Finals)," he said.

"Winning at home is always more special than winning anywhere. Having the chance to play in front of your home crowd... is unforgettable for me," he added.

Sharapova bounces back

Earlier, Maria Sharapova recovered from a horrendous start to defeat Romania's Simona Halep 1-6, 6-2, 6-3 to claim the women's title.

The Russian lost the first four games of the match to the World No. 5 and conceded the first set in less than half-an-hour.

Sharapova turned things around as the game progressed and has now won seven of her last nine titles on a clay, a surface once far from her favorite.

Speaking on court after the match, the 27-year-old said: "Last year I lost in the finals and I really wanted to go one extra step this year, and it's just been such a fantastic week.

"Simona and I had played a couple of times before, but she's really on a different level now (having risen from 64th position in the world rankings this time last year). I don't know how I pulled it off."

Via: Nadal handed Madrid title

One of Nadal's 'toughest' moments

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(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal battled for nearly six hours with Novak Djokovic at the 2012 Australian Open, the longest grand slam final in history.

Seemingly on the verge of exiting in the fourth set, Nadal rallied and then led by a break in the fifth before his Serbian opponent ultimately had the last word.

When the bruising slugfest was over, in an unusual move, the players were given chairs during the trophy presentation.

Nadal's loss to Stanislas Wawrinka this January in the Australian Open final featured a more routine looking scoreline and lasted a shade over two hours, so nowhere near as tiring -- but the world No. 1 says it was tougher to deal with than the reverse to Djokovic.

That's because Nadal hurt his back in the warm-up and wasn't able to compete at 100%.

The injury, coupled with Wawrinka's play, led to the Swiss claiming his first grand slam title. Nadal was the heavy favorite pre-match, owning a 12-0 head-to-head record without dropping a set.

"It was one of the toughest moments in my career," Nadal was quoted as saying by the ATP's website Thursday at the BNP Paribas Open. "It was tough being there for 90 minutes knowing that you will not win. But not winning was not the worst thing. The worst thing was knowing I could not compete.

"When you are losing and competing, that's part of sport. This loss was worse for me than 2012 and the six hours against Novak. I did everything right to be there and compete in the final, and I couldn't. Wawrinka was playing unbelievable. I don't know if I would have had the chance to win that match because he was playing amazing."

Nadal admitted it took a while for him to get the loss out of his system.

"I am a great loser," he said. "Normally after a few hours I forget about the losses and look straight to the next thing, but after this tournament it took a little bit more time."

The back still not recovered, Nadal skipped an event in Argentina last month but returned -- and won -- in Brazil.

He says the back is now "healthy," bad news for his opponents in the California desert.

It's Nadal's most successful hard-court Masters tournament, having won in Indian Wells three times and only failing to reach the semifinals once.

Last year Nadal triumphed not long after his comeback from a serious knee injury.

"It was one of my most special titles," he said.

Nadal faces a tricky draw, however, with Wawrinka, Roger Federer and Andy Murray in his half.

Azarenka uncertain

Meanwhile in the women's draw, two-time grand slam champion Victoria Azarenka played down her chances after only recently recovering from a foot injury. Azarenka was forced to wear a protective boot so the foot could heal.

"When you hear for the first time from the doctor, 'You've got to wear a boot for three weeks,' and the tournament is in four and a half weeks you're like, 'Okay, well, we'll see how it goes.'

"What I expect for myself is to fight for every ball. The rest is a little bit of an unknown for me right now.

"The first match is going to happen. I'm going to go out there and I'm going to play. The most important thing for me is that my foot feels good."

Azarenka -- a walkover in Indian Wells last year after retiring in 2011 -- begins against American Lauren Davis.

Read: Wawrinka ousts ailing Nadal

Read: Azarenka upset in Melbourne

Via: One of Nadal's 'toughest' moments

Djokovic claims 4th Miami title

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(CNN) -- Novak Djokovic has claimed a fourth Miami Masters title after an emphatic straight sets win over his old rival Rafael Nadal at Crandon Park.

The Serb was at his ruthless best in Sunday's final wearing down the world No. 1 to win 6-3 6-3 in one hour 24 minutes.

The title was Djokovic's 43rd of his career and follows his recent triumph at Indian Wells where he beat Roger Federer in three sets.

It was the 40th time Djokovic and Nadal had met during their careers and while the Spaniard still has the edge overall -- 22 wins to Djokovic's 18 -- the Serb has now extended his advantage on hard courts to 14-7 against Nadal.

What was expected to be a close match ended up being one-way traffic as Djokovic outplayed his opponent.

Parity lasted for five games before the world No. 2 broke serve in the sixth.

Realizing the danger, Nadal redoubled his efforts in the next, taking Djokovic to deuce before the Serb stepped up a gear to open up a 5-2 lead.

It was too much for Nadal to recover and when the Spaniard lost his serve in the opening game of the second, the match could have slid away more easily than it did.

The world No. 1 stuck at his task but in the end couldn't find a way through Djokovic's watertight defenses.

Scenting victory Djokovic pounced in the ninth game, attacking Nadal's serve and setting up match two points.

He completed proceedings in style getting the upper hand in a stunning final rally before collapsing in celebration.

"It's been a fantastic tournament, a very enjoyable time as it always is in Miami," said Djokovic.

"I played a great match, from the start to the end everything was working really well. It's always a challenge and a pleasure to play against Rafa.

"Back in 2007 I won my first big title here in Miami and I have the greatest memories from this center court."

Djokovic didn't drop a set (although he did have two walkovers) in winning his third Miami title in four years while Nadal is still searching for a first after finishing runner-up for a fourth time.

Hingis doubles joy

There was joy for Martina Hingis earlier in the day as she won the women's double title alongside partner Sabine Lisicki from Germany.

The pair overcame Russia's Ekaterina Makarova and Elena Vesnina 4-6 6-4 10-5 in Sunday's final.

Hingis, 33, made the most of hers and Lisicki's wild-card entry to Miami after returning to doubles action at Indian Wells earlier this month.

The win is Hingis' third in the doubles at Miami -- she won in 1998 and 1999 wth Jana Novotna -- and her first for seven years.

Read more: Serena seals record seventh Miami title

Via: Djokovic claims 4th Miami title

Del Potro to miss rest of season?

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(CNN) -- Juan Martin del Potro is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after the world No. 8 announced he will undergo wrist surgery on Monday.

The 2009 U.S. Open champion, who needs surgery to fix a problem with his left wrist, had a similar operation on his right wrist in 2010 and was subsequently out for eight months.

The Argentine first felt pain in his left wrist in August 2012 and he took painkillers to deal with the injury at last year's U.S. Open.

But the problem resurfaced at January's Australian Open, the first grand slam of 2014, where Del Potro lost in the second round to Roberto Bautista Agut.

"I want to tell you that after a period of medical treatment, in which we tried to be competitive on a tennis court, and following new examinations done today, my doctor Richard Berger, decided that I should have surgery to fix the problem on my left wrist," the 25-year-old said on his official Facebook page.

"Obviously, it's not the easiest choice or the happiest moment of my career. I experienced a similar situation and I know how hard it is to be out of the tour, the desire to return, the endless weeks of recovery and how difficult it is to start fighting for the top spots in the rankings again."

Since returning from his right wrist injury in 2010, Del Potro has claimed 11 titles -- most recently defeating Bernard Tomic to win January's Sydney International event.

"As always, thank you to those who express their support in any part of Argentina and the world, during tournaments, on the streets or social networks," added Del Potro.

"The strength you send me and my desire will be crucial during my recovery."

The highlight of Del Potro's career so far came at Flushing Meadows five years ago, when he beat Roger Federer in five sets to win his first grand slam title.

Read: Andy Murray cuts ties with coach Ivan Lendl

Via: Del Potro to miss rest of season?

'Toughest conditions I've played in'

(CNN) -- The toughest conditions she has ever played in. That's how one of tennis' biggest stars described this year's scorched Australian Open.

And it's not hard to see why.

With temperatures in excess of 40 degrees, and after four days of players fainting, vomiting and tirelessly icing themselves to keep cool, Li Na was feeling hot and flustered.

The fourth seed, a runner-up at last year's Melbourne grand slam, was facing match point and a shock early exit at the hands of world No. 26 Lucie Safarova.

But the Czech sent a backhand five centimeters long of the baseline, letting Li back in to take a second-set tie break and then take advantage of the extreme heat contingency plan.

In light of the oppressive weather, tournament organizers have allowed for an extra 10 minutes between the second and third sets of women's matches, a break which rejuvenated the 2011 French Open champion.

Read: Del Potro feels the heat in Melbourne

"After the second set, lucky thing we had the 10 minute break," China's Li told reporters after her 1-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3 victory set up a fourth round match with Russia Ekaterina Makarova.

"I think five centimeters saved my tournament. If she hit it in, I think me and my whole team would be on our way to the airport now.

"At least I won the match, and I'm still in the tournament now. It was a difficult day for me but I was really happy with the way I was fighting on the court from the first point until the last point."

While Li Na went to cool down, tournament doctor Tim Wood had defended organizers' refusal to halt play during the sunniest parts of the day, saying that, while playing in the heat might be terribly uncomfortable, human beings "evolved on the high plains of Africa chasing antelope for eight hours under these conditions.

"There will be some players who complain and no-one is saying it is terribly comfortable to play out there, but, from a medical perspective, we know that man is well adapted to exercising in the heat. Whether it is humane or not is a whole other issue," Wood told the BBC.

Words that might not be music to Britain's Jamie Murray's ears, who was treated for heatstroke.

Whatever the conditions, world No. 1 Serena Williams continues her peerless dominance of the women's game.

The top seed has now won more matches at the Australian Open than any other woman in history after registering her 61st success at Melbourne Park by beating Daniela Hantuchova 6-3 6-3.

"I feel good to have gotten through that one because it was tough conditions out there, but I was happy to win," said the 32-year-old.

"Today actually wasn't as hot. I think it was hotter yesterday. So it wasn't as bad today. Honestly, on the one end I felt it was like a cool breeze coming over, so that was a good sign."

Williams' fourth round opponent will be the resurgent Ana Ivanovic, who reached the fourth round after coming from one set down to end Australian Samantha Stosur's hopes of a home grand slam triumph.

In the men's draw, defending champion Novak Djokovic remained on course for his fourth Australian Open title in a row as he eased into the fourth round with a 6-3 6-3 7-5 victory over Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan.

"I feel better on the court as the tournament is progressing," Djokovic, who played under the cool conditions of the Rod Laver Arena's closed roof, told reporters.

"Of course, I played three matches in different conditions. The roof was closed and the temperature dropped by at least 10 degrees, and you could feel that. It affected the play, it was much slower."

Victory for the Serbian, who won his first grand slam in Melbourne in 2008, sets up a meeting with his old friend Fabio Fognini, after the Italian beat American Sam Querrey.

"I'm going to try to win against him regardless of whether he's a friend or not," Djokovic continued. "I have a real friendship with him for more than 10 years but once we get on court we're both professionals and we want to win."

Spanish third seed David Ferrer, Tomas Berdych, the Czech seventh seed, and South African Kevin Anderson also booked their places in the next round of the sizzling Australian Open.

Via: 'Toughest conditions I've played in'

Djokovic retains ATP title

(CNN) -- Rightly billed as a clash of tennis titans, World No.1 versus World No.2, few were expecting the comprehensive manner of Novak Djokovic's defeat of Rafael Nadal to retain the ATP World Tour Finals title Monday night in London.

Nadal will still end the year as the top ranked player in the world, but he was given a timely reminder that on the fast indoor surface of the 02 Arena, Djokovic reigns supreme, retaining his title with a 6-3 6-4 victory.

It came after just one hour 36 minutes on his third championship point, with Nadal putting a forehand wide, rounding off an uncharacteristically tame display from the Spaniard.

Djokovic has been undefeated since losing to Nadal in the final of the U.S. Open in September and he deservedly lifted the trophy, named in honor of former ATP president Brad Drewett, who died earlier this year.

Read: Tennis stars pay homage to Drewett

After the gladiatorial style entrants by both men, it was Djokovic who struck the first blows, racing to a 3-0 lead with an early break of Nadal's service.

He had a point for a double break, but the Spaniard weathered the storm before making inroads on Djokovic's next service game to draw them level at 3-3.

But Djokovic was not to be denied and after holding his own service, he broke Nadal again, the decisive point seeing both men at full stretch with scarcely believable retrieving.

Djokovic finally put away a decisive volley then held his own service, clinching the set with an ace.

He was immediately on the front foot in the second set, breaking Nadal early again to take a lead he never relinquished.

Read: Top pair set for ATP showdown

Nadal was under pressure as he served to stay in the match at 3-5, saving the first match point and forcing his opponent to serve out for the championship.

Nadal at last showed glimpses of his true quality by saving a second championship point, but any hopes of an unlikely revival were quickly snuffed out as Djokovic sent down an ace to bring up his third chance to take the title for a third time.

Nadal still leads their career meetings 22-17 and will be looking to revenge the defeat when the 2014 season starts with the Australian Open in January.

Before that, Djokovic will lead Serbia in the final of the Davis Cup against the Czech Republic, hoping to continue his unbeaten end to the season.

Read: Djokovic and Troicki slam doping procedures

Earlier, Fernando Verdasco and his Spanish compatriot David Marrero lifted the doubles title, beating the top seeds and three-time former champions Mike and Bob Bryan of the United States.

Verdasco and Marrero won a close final 7-5 6-7 10-7 in one hour and 44 minutes, succeeding Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez as winners of the end of season finale.

They shared $335,500 in prize money, while the Bryans -- five-time finalists -- split $195,500. The losing pair have the consolation of comfortably ending 2013 as the top pair in the world, winning three of the four major titles with a 70-13 record.

Via: Djokovic retains ATP title

'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1

(CNN) -- Rafael Nadal sealed a remarkable comeback in 2013 by beating Stanislas Wawrinka at the ATP World Tour Finals on Wednesday to ensure he will finish the year as world No. 1.

The Spaniard also qualified for the semifinals of the only major tennis tournament he has never won, with the 27-year-old boasting a career grand slam in addition to an Olympic gold medal.

Since returning to the sport in February after seven months out with a knee injury, the 13-time grand slam champion has won 10 titles in a year which he has described as one of his best.

Beating Wawrinka in London confirmed that he finishes on top of the world for the third time in his career, with Novak Djokovic now forced to settle for second place. The Serbian had held the honor the past two years, while Nadal is the first player to win it back twice.

Read: Serb stars slam anti-doping procedures

"A lot of emotions today," Nadal said following his 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) over the Swiss eighth seed. "It's the perfect scenario to be finally the year-end No. 1 in this fantastic stadium, in front of this unbelievable crowd, so many thanks for making me feel like this.

"This has been an unbelievable comeback year."

It certainly has.

When he returned to action in Chile in February, Nadal moved so gingerly at times that he felt it better to leave some points as he attempted to protect his troublesome knee.

A first title since the 2012 French Open followed later that month in Brazil, and these were soon followed by further triumphs in Mexico and Indian Wells.

Comprehensive confirmation of the fact that "the King of Clay" had fully recovered his abilities came at the French Open when he beat Djokovic in a compelling semifinal before defeating compatriot David Ferrer to claim a record eighth title at Roland Garros.

Humiliation followed at Wimbledon as the former champion was beaten by Belgium's 135th-ranked Steve Darcis, the first time Nadal had exited a grand slam in the first round.

Yet he recovered to clinch the U.S. Open in September, beating Djokovic in the final, and before a packed crowd at London's O2 Arena on Wednesday, Nadal said his extraordinary return would have been impossible without his family.

"The team is everything for me," he explained.

"Without them, I would never have the chance to be back where I am today -- being the No. 1 at the end of the season when there are such unbelievable competitors in front of me.

"Without my family team behind me, it is impossible to think like this, especially after what happened last year."

Swiss finals debutant Wawrinka now has a win and loss ahead of his final round-robin match against Ferrer, while Nadal will close against Tomas Berdych.

Third-ranked Ferrer lost out to Czech Berdych in Wednesday's late game 6-4 6-4.

Via: 'Emotional' Nadal is year-end No. 1