Top Moments of 2019, No. 9: Nadal returns to the top

In a decade to remember, 2019 didn't disappoint as the closing act. Click here to review the Top 10 moments from the final season of the 2010s.

Rafael Nadal considered taking a break from the game in Monte Carlo. Instead, he's back at the top of the game.

The 33-year-old won four of his next nine events, including two Grand Slams and two Masters, and narrowly clinched the No. 1 ranking at the ATP Finals.

"I never thought I will have my hands on this trophy again. It's something really emotional for me," he told the crowd at the event. "This trophy is an achievement for the whole year."

A six-month stretch of frequent injuries had him questioning whether he should keep playing this season, but he was convinced to get back on court and began improving almost straightaway.

Getty Images

Nadal broke his own record for the oldest player to finish No. 1 and most years since first reaching No. 1 in the rankings.

"Have this trophy with me with this big gap between the first time until today, 11 years, is a big thing," he said. "Of course the team and the family played a very important role this year, even more than other times because have been some tough moments at the beginning of the season in terms of physical issues."

When Nadal did take a break, it was a happy occasion. His wedding to longtime girlfriend Maria Francisca Perello also made it a memorable season.

There were more injury problems at the Paris Masters, but did not prevent a good finish. He wrapped up with the Davis Cup.

Far from wanting to stop, Nadal might just want to keep going.