CARLOS NO.1 AS RAFA KO’D

RAFA NADAL crashed out of the Nitto ATP Finals ensuring fellow Spaniard Carlos Alcaraz will be the youngest year-end world No.1.

The 22-time Grand Slam winner was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Canadian Felix Auger-aliassime – coached by Nadal’s uncle, Toni – concluding his season with a fourth consecutive defeat . Nadal (below) needed to win in Turin for the first time to dislodge US Open champion Alcaraz, 19, from the top spot.

Nadal, 36, said: “Winning two Slams was not enough because I was not able to play more. It’s difficult fighting against the young guys.

“They are super good and are able to play as many tournaments as they want, like I was 15 years ago.

“Just well done to Carlos in this case. Happy for him. Great news for our sport in Spain.”

Novak Djokovic, who will play Andrey Rublev today, will be allowed to contest January’s Australian Open after his visa ban was overturned by the federal government.