Spanish player Rafael Nadal has ensured he will be crowned new World No.1 in the ATP rankings next week after his opponent Tomas Berdych retired in their semi-final match of the China Open, when Nadal was leading 4-2 in the first set.
Berdych had managed to break back Nadal after losing serve in the first game but he again lost serve in the fifth game of the set.
Nadal would now be No.1 in the ATP rankings even if he fails to win the China Open and if current World No.1 Novak Djokovic wins the tournament, because the Serbian player is the defending champion and therefore, has points to defend.
Djokovic plays David Ferrer of Spain in the second semi-final.
