Nadal wins 80th title of career in Toronto
Top seed quits Cincinnati Masters
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 Greek youngster Tsitsipas to claim a 6-2, 7-6 (7/4) victory in just under one hour and 45 minutes. The win gave the 32-year-old Spaniard a record-extending 33rd trophy at the elite Masters level. However, Nadal later confirmed his withdrawal from this week’s Cincinnati Masters event as he prepares for this month’s US Open. The Spaniard said in a statement following the win that he had decided to adjust his schedule in order to preserve his fitness. “I am very sorry to announce that I won’t be playing in Cincinnati this year,” Nadal said. “No other reason than personally taking care of my body and trying to keep as healthy as I feel now.” 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. Nadal will be replaced in the draw by a lucky loser.
Earlier, a vocal crowd of local flag-waving Greek fans had sang “Happy Birthday” to the 20-year-old Tsitsipas as Nadal reflected on a successful campaign.
The loss concluded the tennis week of his life for Tsitsipas, who beat four top-10 opponents in a row to reach the final.
“It’s been an amazing week for me,” he said. “This trophy means a lot after playing my first Masters 1,000 final.
“Rafa is amazing, he never cracks. He will always grab you like a bulldog and he will always make you suffer on the court.
“He was [once] normal like all of us, and he managed to become this beast, this monster that he is today.
“That’s how you feel when you play against him.”
Tsitsipas is taking the lesson he learned on court to heart. “I’m really hungry for more. I believe I can achieve much more this year,” he said.
Nadal added the Canadian honor to the titles he won in 2005, 2008 and 2013.
He now owns five titles this season and has clinched the first spot in the year-end ATP Finals in London.