The power of his dream can still pump up the flat, tired Greek phenom, Stefanos Tsitsipas. Despite being totally exhausted before his semi-final match against South African Kevin Anderson, this NexGen super star pulled off an enormous win.

This time last year Tsitsipas was ranked #168, playing at the Challenger level in Slovenia.  This week’s stellar performance, at the Rogers Cup, catapulted his ATP world ranking to 27.

Stefaos Tsitsipas (GRE)

What makes this successful run so incredibly impressive, is that Tsitsipas had to make it past 4 top ten players, (# 8,Dominic Thiem, #10 Novak Djokovic, #3 Alexander Zverev, #6 Kevin Anderson) to make it to his first ever ATP final.

Stefanos appeared physically exhausted as the match unfolded.  A first set tiebreaker resulting in a close 4-7 loss (6-7).

Kevin Anderson (RSA)

After having the opportunity to watch this world class teenager compete on the big stage, it was becoming clear that his playing style was steady, skilled, smart and patient.  But seeing that his opponent, Kevin Anderson, was so powerful and was dictating play, Stefanos did not have many chances to pounce. This resulted in some errors, that cost him the first set.

The second set, still looking incredibly fatigued, we began to see glimpses of Stefanos’ positive energy, with fist pumps and more successful calculated risks. The 19 year olds clutch serving was his biggest strength of the game today. This and his uncanny way to stay focused on the ball and not the score line.  Stefanos joked, as he shares with the press that he is often not aware of the score of his games. Confirming that when he hit a backhand cross-court winner saving him from an Anderson match point in the third set tie-break, he actually did not know the score!!!

This mental fortitude, focus on the moment and belief in himself and his game, is what Stefanos claims is what will continue to propel him into the top of world tennis.

Believing that, “it never gets easier, I will always get better”.

Celebrating a birthday on his Final day debut, will give this Greek sensation the gift of reaching 15^th in the world ATP rankings on Monday.

Happy birthday Stefanos from all your new fans and friends here in Toronto!

Stefanos Tsitsipas (GRE) disbelief .. moving on to the Final!

Rafael Nadal (ESP)

Rafa Nadal, on the other hand, has a stand alone record of 64 semi finals in ATP 1000 tournaments.  After last nights straight-set win over Russia’s, Karen Khachanov, he closes in on his 33 World tour Masters 1000 title.

Karen Khachanov (RUS)

Rafa, three-time Rogers Cup Champion, will have his fourth opportunity to hoist the trophy. But he will first have to stop the magical Cinderella run of Tsitsipas.

Rafael Nadal (ESP)

The Veteran vs. the apprentice … how will this year’s Men final, fairy tale end?

Laurel Neal

Photo credit: Neena Channan