Deja Vu – Rogers Cup 2018 Toronto – Day 7 – Final

Sports — 14 August 2018

Thirteen years ago, the tennis world witnessed Rafa Nadal, Spanish teenage sensation, exploding onto the world professional tennis scene. Reaching the final of an ATP Masters 1000, only to face world # 1, Roger Federer. This incredible scenario was repeated again today, except with a new, rising star from Greece, Stefanos Tsitsipas.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

Thirty-two-year-old, world #1, Rafa Nadal and 19-year-old unseeded superstar, Stefanos Tsitsipas took to the stage at this years Rogers Cup Final.

“I go into these matches with low expectations” said Tsitsipas, as he faced and successfully dispatched 4 top 10 opponents on the road to the final, only to now come face to face with the #1 player in the world.

Incredible hype grew as the Tsitsipas Cinderella story came to its last act for this tournament. Nadal’s expertise shone, as he came out aggressive and dictating from all areas of the court. Winning the first set handily 6-2.

Rafa continued to control the second set to a 5-3 lead, when a rowdy fan interrupted Stefanos’ service motion. The Greek pleaded with the umpire for a let call, as he was serving to stay in the match 30-15. It was at this time Rafa graciously gave him a first service. This is the pivotal point when the momentum shifted into the NextGen’s favour. Rafa, missed his return, then got noticeably tight and nervous, losing the next 4 points.

Rafael Nadal (ESP)

This momentum shift in the second set gave the underdog a huge boost, sending them into a second set tie-break. Tsitsipas noticed that the Spaniard was getting tight “I believe not so much in my head. I believe in mostly his head”. Rafa recounts in his post game press conference that “I get nervous, I am completely human person.

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE)

Rafael Nadal (ESP)

I get nervous and miss it. …After that, I accept the situation. Just fight and stay positive. That’s what I did.” Going on to win the 2-set tie-break 7-4. Awarding him his 33rd Master 1000 title.

This determination and focus is what makes a champion. Rafa goes on to explain how to win when you are playing at a high level is great, but to win when you are not playing well, to find a way and win, has greater value.