ATP Finals: Rafael Nadal overpowers Stefanos Tsitsipas to reach semis
Rafael Nadal`s hopes of profitable the year-ending ATP Finals for the primary time dwell on after the Spaniard beat defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday.
The final round-robin match within the London Group had change into a straight knockout with each males having misplaced to Dominic Thiem and crushed Andrey Rublev earlier within the week.
But it was Spaniard Nadal who at all times appeared the extra doubtless winner regardless of a lapse which allowed Tsitsipas to increase the competition right into a decider at a near-deserted O2 Arena.
After a flurry of service breaks in the beginning of the third set, the 34-year-old Nadal confirmed all his expertise to tug away and attain the semi-finals for the primary time in 5 years.
As group runner-up behind Austrian Thiem, he’ll face Daniil Medvedev for a spot within the last with the Russian already assured of high spot within the Tokyo Group.
World primary Novak Djokovic performs Alexander Zverev on Friday with the winner to play Thiem within the different semi-final.
“In general this was a very positive match for me,” stated Nadal, who regardless of profitable 20 Grand Slam titles has solely two runners-up locations to point out for his earlier 9 appearances on the ATP Finals. “Excited to be in the semi-finals.”
Nadal was untouchable on his serve within the first set, dropping solely 5 factors, and the strain informed on Tsitsipas who was unable to unleash his attacking recreation.
SUCCESSIVE ACES
The Greek fought off break factors at 3-Three however at 4-Four he buckled with a double-fault permitting Nadal the prospect to serve for the opening set, a job he achieved with successive aces.
Nadal had gained his earlier 70 matches when profitable the primary set so Tsitsipas`s prospects seemed bleak, however he was handed an sudden lifeline when Nadal hit hassle serving at 4-5.
A well-struck backhand earned Tsitsipas a few set factors out of the blue and whereas Nadal saved one with a primary serve he then double-faulted to ship the match right into a decider.
Tsitsipas instantly dropped serve, however broke Nadal once more when the Spaniard netted a backhand. The Greek couldn’t seize the initiative, nonetheless, and a free backhand ensured a fourth straight break of serve after just one within the first 19 video games.
Nadal then regained his authority to energy house.
Tsitsipas, who loved his breakthrough second right here final yr when, aged 21, he beat Thiem within the last, was downbeat about his efficiency.
“I fought hard in the second set but very disappointed with the third, I was rushing and didn`t know what I was trying to do honestly. I should have been a bit more clever,” he stated.
Earlier within the day, Rublev beat Thiem 6-2 7-5 to finish his maiden look on a excessive — incomes himself $153,000 for the group win and 200 rating factors within the course of.
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