Nadal Backs Murray to Become World No1

Rafael Nadal believes Andy Murray could eventually replace him as the world No1 after succumbing to the Scot in yesterday's final of the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam.

Murray's 6–3, 4–6, 6–0 victory over Nadal was tempered by the knee injury sustained by the Spaniard during the contest, and for which he required treatment during the match, but nevertheless the 21-year-old put in an impressive display in what was his second victory over the Australian Open champion this year, including an exhibition match in Abu Dhabi.

"Andy deserves this triumph and I congratulate him, he is playing very well this year and has already won two titles," Nadal said. "He could become the number one, two or three in the world.

"It was not my best day [yesterday], I had problems, but I don't want to talk too much about these, I'd rather talk about the good game of my opponent. Andy played very well.

"I know how well he is able to play and in the final he has shown that time after time. He has only lost once this season, to [Fernando] Verdasco in Australia. He won the tournament of Doha and now here in Rotterdam."

Nadal is hopeful of recovering from his injury in time to compete in Dubai next week. "I hope it's nothing serious and I will be able to play in Dubai, but we will have to see how the injury evolves," he said. "Now I'll have a week's break before I play in Dubai and I hope to have no problems. Above everything I had a great week in an important tournament."