"It's very special for me to receive this award in London for what it means to win Wimbledon in my career"
Rafael Nadal received from the president of the ATP, Adam Helfant, the corresponding prize for finishing the season as number one world tennis.
"This year was very emotional for me," confessed the winner of three titles this year Grand Slam (Roland Garros, Wimbledon and U.S. Open) and a total of seven in the whole circuit.
Nadal referred, as in most of their speeches to the press, how hard was it last year -2009 - for personal reasons and an injury that removed him from the tracks for part of the season.
Wearing a dark suit, Nadal broke in the O2 Centre Court just after solved the first singles match of the day, where Roger Federer won with Briton Andy Murray quickly.
As many viewers of the duel had already begun to leave their seats, the spectacular show of blue lights and music in the background the site announced the departure of world number one, who received standing applause and some surprise.
Nadal, who does not play until tomorrow, when they meet in their second match of the tournament to Serbian Novak Djokovic-English addressed "to his fans around the world to thank for their support" day day. "
"Hope to see you tomorrow," said the tennis player of 24 years started the competition in a nervous first meeting with Andy Roddick, which cost him victory on Monday and did so in three sets.
Rafa Nadal is further referred to the importance of receiving this award in London, where he always said it was very special for him to play and where last July won his second Wimbledon title.
The Spanish will not only take home the award given by the ATP, but Stefan Edberg Award, honoring the Swedish tennis player who recognizes the good attitude of the player on the court and delivered on behalf of his colleagues on the circuit.