Well-earned rest for Rafa

Toronto – Rafael Nadal held off a late surge from birthday boy Stefanos Tsitsipas to claim the 80th title of his career with victory at the Toronto Masters on Sunday.

Nadal overcame a second set fightback from the Greek youngster to claim a 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) victory in just under 1hr 45min.

The win gave the 32-year-old Spaniard a record-extending 33rd trophy at the elite Masters level as well as his 80th title.

The world No 1 however will not be chasing an 81st title at next week’s ATP Cincinnati Masters event after withdrawing to prepare for this month’s US Open.

“No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now,” Nadal said in a statement.

The withdrawal leaves Roger Federer as the tournament’s highest seed in second.

The Swiss did not play Toronto in order to conserve his resources, an example being followed by his main rival.

Meanwhile, Tsitsipas broke into the world top 20 yesterday following his giant-killing run in Toronto Masters. The Greek sensation vaulted into 15th place a day after his 20th birthday.

Tsitsipas, ranked 159th in the world one year ago, reached the final after eliminating four seeds along the way – Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Kevin Anderson.

“It’s really been an amazing week for me,” he said. –