Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas has lost the Toronto Masters final against Spaniard Rafael Nadal 6-2, 7-6 (7/4).
It wasn’t the outcome the Greek player was hoping for on Sunday, especially on his 20th birthday. But fans in the crowd waving Greek flags made it a special day all the same, breaking out into song with Happy Birthday.
The lead up to the final was the biggest week in Tsitsipas’ young career, going on to beat four Top 10 players in a row.
“It´s been an amazing week for me,” the finalist acknowledged.
“This trophy means a lot after playing my first Masters 1000 final … such a feeling, what a vibe.”
While Nadal managed to easily secure the first set, the final was hard fought out. Tsitsipas persevered taking the score from 5-4 in Nadal’s favour, to a tiebreak at 5-5.
But the 32-year-old took control once again, winning a match point following a forehand error by Tsitsipas, going on to win with a deep forehand into the corner.
The 80th career title for the world number one, Nadal was a gracious winner, who had only praise and encouragement for his opponent, 12 years his junior.
“Happy Birthday to Stefanos,” he said.
“Well done, you have a great future.”