Rafael Nadal hailed his "incredible season" as he clinched the No. 1 ranking in Paris, saying that motivation and hard work got him back to the top of the game.

By winning his first match at the tournament, Nadal moved too far in front to be caught by Roger Federer for the rest of the season and will finish at No. 1 for the fourth time in his career.

The Spaniard returned to the top spot this season for the first time since 2013, having first reached No. 1 in 2008. It marks a memorable return from a series of illnesses and injury that began in 2014.

"Finishing the season No. 1 was not an objective," he told press in Spanish following his win. "For me to imagine it was almost impossible, having had a difficult period where I was injured for about two years. Now, I did it and I'm really happy, for sure.

"From the first time, 10 years ago, it's a very different feeling. This time, it was really difficult."

Nadal has won two Grand Slams, two Masters, and two other titles this season. He attributes his successful return to sustained effort and determination.

"It's having passion for what you do, waking up every morning with the motivation to play on court and improve, rather than a 'winning mentality,' because everyone wants to win," he said. "I've won almost everything in my career, but there have also been periods where I was injured, where I had doubts. Everyone says it's important to believe in yourself—for me, it's important to believe in your work. If you don't win, you don't believe in yourself. But if you believe in your work, you have the chance to win again."

Nadal added that he is still concentrating on the rest of his events this season. He has yet to win Bercy or the ATP Tour Finals in his career.

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