BEIJING (AP)—Rafael Nadal has won a gold medal in Olympic tennis by beating Fernando Gonzalez of Chile in the final of men’s singles.
Nadal overcame two set points in the second set, held every service game and won 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-3 Sunday.
The gold medal was the first ever for Spain in Olympic tennis.
Nadal was already assured of taking over the No. 1 ranking Monday for the first time, ending Roger Federer’s reign after 41/2 years. Nadal has won 38 of his past 39 matches, including victories over Federer in the finals at the French Open and Wimbledon.
Men’s singles has traditionally been an upset-filled event at the Olympics, and Nadal is the first player ranked in the top five to win the gold.
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