Rafael Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic in the finals of the China Open, but it looks like Nadal still got the last laugh.

Nadal still has a lot to rejoice and be happy about because he just claimed the World No 1 rank from the Serbian athlete. Nadal lost to Djokovic 6-3, 6-4 in Beijing on Monday.

Nadal has only won once in the China Open dated back in 2005. He defeated Guillermo Coria from Argentina. Djokovic has won four times since 2004 in the years 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

After a prolonged knee injury, Nadal came back and really went for the kill, only eight months after many tennis enthusiasts doubted whether he would play at the highest spirits again. He has won ten titles ever since he returned in February. He has won the Brasil Open, Indian Wells Masters, Barcelona Open, Mutua Madrid Open, Rome Masters, French Open, Rogers Cup, Canadian Open, Cincinnati Open and the U.S. Open.

The former World No 1 Djokovic was interviewed after the match and he has some things to say. "I needed this win today," Djokovic said. "Nadal has been the best player so far in 2013 and I really want to get my hands on the trophy and win against him," he added. "I still have not lost a match here in the China Open and it is very important for me, emotionally and mentally," Djokovic continued.

Nadal was also very polite about his loss. "Novak was too strong for me, this afternoon," Nadal said. "He played at a very high level with all his serves and I did not give my best in this match," Nadal added. "Novak was just hitting the balls where he wanted and when that is happening, you do not stand a chance," Nadal said.

A lot of Nadal's supporters would be very happy upon knowing that the Spanish athlete is now World No 1. Nike, which serves as Nadal's shoe and clothing sponsor, posted a picture on its Twitter account that Nadal , later on, retweeted. Its caption reads "If it is worth earning, it is worth reclaiming."