The Spaniard needed to make the final here to go ahead of Novak Djokovic in the new ATP rankings, which will be announced on Monday. <img alt="Rafael Nadal" src="http://images.mid-day.com/2013/oct/Rafael-Nadal_1.jpg" style="width: 500px; height: 544px;" /> Rafael Nadal The second seed will now confront Djokovic on Sunday in the climax of the tournament, after the defending champion powered his way though his semi-final, dumping out France&rsquo;s Richard Gasquet 6-4, 6-2. The Serb, who is on his 101st week as the top-ranked player, will be unseated by Nadal even if he reclaims the title. Nadal, who last topped the rankings in July 2011, has enjoyed a remarkable season, returning from injury to dominate the hardcourt tournaments. Nadal later told reporters it&rsquo;s been &ldquo;one of the best years of my career without any doubt.&rdquo; Paes loses in semis Meanwhile India;&rsquo;s Leander Paes and his partner Daniel Nestor lost in the doubles semi-finals to Italians Fabio Fognini and Andreas Seppi 6-3, 5-7, 8-10.u00a0

Rafael Nadal will return to number one in the world rankings after his semi-final opponent Tomas Berdych retired injured at the China Open on Saturday, capping an astonishing comeback for the 13-time Grand Slam champion.

Nadal returns to No 1 ranking

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Nadal returns to No 1 ranking

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