World No.1 Rafael Nadal has become the fourth player in the Open era to win a 80th title on the ATP World Tour after storming past Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 7-6(4), in the final of the Rogers Cup.
Sunday’s showdown in Toronto was a tale of two halves. During the first part, the Spaniard was untouchable behind his serve. Dropping just three points in eight service games. Then a last-minute blip revived the hopes of a determined Tsitsipas, who displayed glimmers of his potential to rise to the top of the men’s game. Despite the scare, Nadal fought back to seal a straight sets win. Hitting 27 winners to 20 unforced errors and winning 94% of his first service points.
“It has been a few years since I have come to Toronto. I have missed it a lot. I’ve had too many injuries during my career to come here as often as I would have liked to, but this week has been fantastic.” Nadal said during the trophy ceremony.
“To receive this trophy, it means everything to me. To have the support of all of you (Nadal’s fans) during the whole week is why I wake up every morning, to go on court with the highest passion possible.”
Heading into the match, there were high expectations placed upon the shoulders of Tsitsipas, who was celebrating his 20th birthday on the same day. His route to the final saw him defeat three top 10 players. Including Wimbledon champion Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev. Despite his breakthrough in Toronto, the Greek was unable to topple Nadal, who dictated points with high intensity in his shot-making.
Three games into the final, Nadal swiftly established a lead. A passing shot from the Spaniard on break point triggered an unforced error from his opponent. Elevating him to a 2-1 advantage and leaving Tsitsipas furious. The 20-year-old was slammed with a code violation for hitting a ball out of the court out of frustration. From that moment on, Nadal breezed through the opening set in just 34 minutes. Securing the double break with the help of a Tsitsipas forehand slamming into the net before sealing the 6-2 lead with a love service game.
Breaking once again at the start of the second set, Nadal look destined to seal the victory without difficulty. As Tsitsipas struggled to find a way to break down his opponents serve. Nevertheless, it was the pressure that got the better of the top seed. Serving for the title at 5-4, a double fault gifted Tsitsipas a duo of break back points. The underdog converted his second opportunity when a deep shot towards the baseline triggered a Nadal error.
Despite cracking at when it mattered the most, the world No.1 battled through to the finish line. Fending off a set point with the help of a drop shot that barely brushed over the net on route. Then in the tiebreaker, it was a single Tsitsipas error that sealed him victory. A forehand mistake from the Greek elevated Nadal to a 5-3 lead. Three points later he clinched title No.80 when he hit a clear winner into the corner of the court.
“I want to congratulate Stefanos for an amazing week and happy birthday.” Nadal said in tribute to his opponent. “Well done and keep going. You have an amazing future, I think, and you have a great team supporting you. I wish you all the best.”
Despite missing out on his maiden title on the ATP Tour, Tsitsipas is set to break into new territory. On Monday he will rise to 15th in the world rankings. Surpassing his current best of 27th.
“I’ve had the week of my life. The support I got this week. I’ve never received such a warm welcome.” Said Tsitsipas.
“This (runners-up) trophy means so much to me.”
Nadal joins an elite group of players who has won 80 or more titles on the men’s tour in the Open Era. The only others to achieve the milestone are Roger Federer, Ivan Lendl and Jimmy Connors. He has also extended his all-time record for most Masters 1000 trophies to 33.
