ATP Rome: Rafael Nadal succeeds in revenge against Stefanos Tsitsipas
Rafael Nadal retaliated for the loss to Stefanos Tsitsipas in Madrid last week. The world number two defeated the Greeks 6: 3 and 6: 4 at the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in Rome.
by Nikolaus Fink
last edit: May 18, 2019, 05:22 pm
In contrast to the game in Madrid, Nadal got off to a good start and took Tsitsipas' serve 2-0. After defending two breakballs, the 32-year-old took the lead 3-0. Nadal transported this lead to a 6: 3 set win. Overall, however, the round was more balanced than the result would suggest.
Nadal made another quick break in the second set - this time for 2-1. The Mallorcan played the encounter safely home, did not allow a single breakball and finally won after almost 1:45 hours of play with 6: 3 and 6: 4. The 32-year-old may have been extremely satisfied with his forehand in particular.
With the win, the Spaniard fixed his first final on clay this year. Nadal will face Novak Djokovic or Diego Schwartzman in the final on Sunday. The Serb and the Argentine will not meet before 8:00 p.m. CET in the second semifinals of the day.