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Rafael Nadal stands after a win Stefanos Tsitsipas for the sixth time in his career in the semi-finals of the ATP Finals. In this, the number two in the world wants to take another step towards his triumphant debut.
by Nikolaus Fink
Last edit: November 20, 2020, 1:31 am
Almost like a prayer wheel, Rafael Nadal emphasized in the days of the 2020 ATP Finals that a victory in the end of the year final would not complete his career overnight. He is more than satisfied with his career so far as the lack of a title in the top eight tournament doesn’t matter too much. Nadal knows that in top form he can beat any opponent in the world on any surface.
The Spaniard proved it in the all-important final group match against Stefanos Tsitsipas. The world number two dominated most of the match, especially with service and forehand, only thanks to a small phase of weakness towards the end of the second set was the defending champion able to send the game into the third round.
Nadal in the semifinals for the first time in five years
In this, Nadal returned to show his entire class and finally prevailed with 6: 4, 4: 6 and 6: 2. “I think it was a good game. I played with the intensity and the right attitude,” he said 20 times. Grand Slam champion after the match.
Nadal had beaten Tsitsipas in the last game of the group last year, but at that time was not enough to advance. Twelve months later, the Iberian returns to the semi-finals of the ATP Finals for the first time since 2015, and that shouldn’t end there for him: “I’m in the semi-finals and it’s a great opportunity.”
Sometimes you play well and still don’t win.
Rafael Nadal
It feels good, the best tennis he has played in London, but it is not: “I have also had great tournaments in the past. It is true that I never won, but sometimes you play well and win.” Not yet. It is normal in this sport because the other players are also very good ”.
Nadal vs. Medvedev still undefeated
Very well. With these words, Nadal also described his opponent in the semifinals, Daniil Medvedev: “I really want to play against probably the best player in recent weeks. It will be an incredible challenge.
In the head-to-head, Nadal leads against the Russian 3-0. Last year, the 34-year-old made a remarkable comeback in the group stage after losing 5-1 in the third set. However, the Mallorcan does not attach much importance to this last meeting: “I think I was mentally very tired at the end of last year’s season. That is a different story this year.” Maybe also when it comes to Nadal and the ATP Finals.
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