When Rafael Nadal praised young gun Stefanos Tsitsipas and predicted a bright future

Rafael Nadal performed solely three ATP tournaments on onerous in 2018, profitable the title in Toronto and enjoying effectively on the Australian Open and the US Open. Keen to enhance his sport on the most typical floor and keep away from accidents, the Spaniard determined to make important modifications in his serve and strategy, embracing new service movement and hitting extra valiantly along with his first groundstroke than ever earlier than.

Utilizing the favorable draw and producing his A-game, Nadal sailed into the Australian Open ultimate in 2019, beating all six rivals in straight units earlier than falling to Novak Djokovic in his most brutal Main ultimate defeat. Nadal defeated Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 in an hour and 47 minutes within the quarters, dropping 17 factors behind the preliminary shot and producing 4 breaks to maneuver into the semis and set Stefanos Tsitsipas conflict.

Rafael Nadal praised Stefanos Tsitsipas forward of their 2019 Australian Open conflict.

After beating Tiafoe, Nadal mentioned he’s delighted with how he performed in Melbourne as much as that time. The Spaniard attacked with each serve and forehand to realize a bonus on the court docket and stored the factors on his racquet, which was not all the time the case up to now.

Additionally, Rafa praised the guy semi-finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas, saying he made spectacular enhancements and have become a contender for notable titles. Tsitsipas claimed the ATP Subsequent Gen Finals crown in November 2018, gathering momentum and enjoying on a excessive degree in Melbourne two months later for a deep run that included a stellar victory over Roger Federer.

Nonetheless, the teen couldn’t do a lot in opposition to the extra skilled rival, as Rafa beat him 6-2, 6-4, 6-0 after a dominant show on each serve and return. Regardless of that, Nadal was assured in Tsitsipas’ skills, saying he ought to keep on the high for a few years.

Two and a half years later, the Greek is a Masters 1000 champion and a top-3 participant, sending Nadal out from that group and wishing to develop into world no. 1 at some point. “The younger era doesn’t wish to wait for giant wins or titles; they’re right here now, with Frances reaching the quarters and Stefanos ready within the semis.

It will likely be an important yr by way of sharing the generations that make the game particular, and that will be attention-grabbing to look at. Over the past 12 months, Stefanos Tsitsipas has continually improved his sport, profitable the primary ATP title and enjoying in different ATP 500 and Masters 1000 finals.

He’s within the semi-final now and well-capable for beating the world’s finest gamers. He is a superb participant and may stay on the high for a very long time,” Rafael Nadal mentioned.