Rafael Nadal’s hopes of winning the year-ending ATP Finals for the first time live on after the Spaniard beat defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-4 4-6 6-2 on Thursday. But it was Rafael Nadal who always appeared the more likely winner despite a lapse which allowed Tsitsipas to extend the contest into a decider at a near-deserted O2 Arena. Nadal was untouchable on his serve in the first set, losing only five points, and the pressure told on Tsitsipas who was unable to unleash his attacking game. Nadal had won his previous 70 matches when winning the first set so Tsitsipas’ prospects looked bleak, but he was handed an unexpected lifeline when Nadal hit trouble serving at 4-5. Tsitsipas immediately dropped serve, but broke Nadal again when the Spaniard netted a backhand.

Source: dna November 20, 2020 03:53 UTC