World News – CAF – Nadal faces Tsitsipas after losing Tim in the ATP Finals

. . Rafael Nadal insisted he could still win the ATP Finals for the first time despite a devastating 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7/4) defeat by Austrian Dominic Thiem on Tuesday.. . Tim defeats Nadal behind closed doors at London's O2 Arena to make an impact as the Spanish star tries to lift the only jackpot lost from the trophy overcrowded cupboard.. . Thiem became the first player to qualify for the semi-finals a few hours later when champion Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated seventh-seeded Russian Andrei Rublev 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6). .

CAMEROON MAGAZINE - GM18/11/20203 Mins read83 Views

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Nadal sets sail for the ATP finals as Tim takes revenge on Tsitsipas
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Rafael Nadal insisted he could still win the ATP Finals for the first time despite a devastating 7-6 (9/7), 7-6 (7-6) defeat by Austrian Dominic Thiem on Tuesday.. .

Tim defeats Nadal behind closed doors at London’s O2 Arena, influencing the Spaniard’s attempt to lift the only jackpot lost from the crammed cupboard. .

Tim became the first player to qualify for the semi-finals a few hours later when champion Stefanos Tsitsipas defeated seventh-seeded Russian Andrei Rublev 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (8/6). .

Nadal, who lost the 2010 and 2013 finals from the event, had to beat Tsitsipas in his last group match to reach the semifinals of the prestigious tournament that ends the season. .

Despite his precarious situation, Nadal is in the showdown against Tsitsipas, with the winner securing qualification to the quarter-finals, in a confident mood after battling hard against the inspiring Tim.. .

“He played I think was a great game, and I played well too. So my feeling is not negative. Nadal, who defeated Rublev in straight sets in his first match, said I lost, but I had a lot of chances..

“I’m happy with the way I played. I think my chances of getting a very good result are now greater than they were five days ago because the level of tennis, even if I lose today, is much higher for me..

Nadal, who last month equaled Roger Federer’s record in 20 major tournaments by winning the French Open, won 86 titles but only one of them came in a closed stadium. .

The world number two has qualified for the ATP Finals for 16 years in a row, but his record in the eight-man elite event is weak compared to Federer and Novak Djokovic after six injury withdrawals. .

Likely to face another final disappointment, Nadal said he could not explain his problems at the event.

« I think even if I never win here, I don’t want to pretend to be arrogant at all, because I’m not. But I really don’t need to show even myself or anyone that if I play my best tennis, I think I can win on every surface and against any player. « .

“I never won the World Tour Finals. This is the real thing at the same time. I have a match against Tsitsipas in two days. It will be another difficult one.

“I hope I’m ready. I think playing this way I am sure I can have my chances in the tournament.

World number three Tim, who defeated Tsitsipas in his opener, has won his first two matches at this year’s tournament, looking to advance better than second place last year..

The 27-year-old enjoyed an unforgettable year, reaching two Grand Slam finals and winning a Grand Slam for the first time when he defeated Alexander Zverev in the US Open final in September. .

Tim said: « It’s definitely one of the best games I’ve played so far in my career. ».

“I think I played a little higher today than I did in the US Open. It was probably my best match since the tour resumed and that makes me very happy.

Tsitsipas saved the match point in the final set tiebreak against Rublev before the Greek seed sixth claimed his first victory this week and eliminated his opponent..

“I was relieved by all the effort and the fighting on the field eventually paid off. « She showed determination not to give up when he had the match point, » Tsitsipas said..

“I will try to play an offensive match against Rafa. You cannot be defensive. I have to start strong and finish stronger.