Defending champion Stefanos Tsitsipas will battle it out with Rafael Nadal for a place in the semi-finals of the Nitto ATP Finals, after beating Andrey Rublev 6-1 4-6 7-6 (6).
Earlier this week, Dominic Thiem outlasted Stefanos Tsitsipas in the first match of Group London 2020.
“It was an unbelievable match from both sides. We produced some incredible tennis,” Tsitsipas said after the match.
“The relief at the very end of putting all that effort and all that fight on the court paid off. I am very happy that I showed determination and a willingness to not give up when he had match point. It came easier when he was up 6/5, but then I produced some really good tennis and that helped me take the win.”
🎾 Thiem wins the group & advances to the semi-finals
🎾 Rublev is eliminated from contention
🎾 Nadal & Tsitsipas will play for the second semi-final spot#NittoATPFinals pic.twitter.com/iMDr97RHf3— ATP Tour (@atptour) November 17, 2020
“Having the opportunity to play lots of matches like this, at such a high intensity, and always testing myself against these players gives me the opportunity to learn and grow,” Tsitsipas continued.
“It is a learning opportunity as well for today. Even though it was a win, I still feel like there is plenty to improve and get better at. I am sure being with that mindset, being willing to just put more and more effort into what I am doing and more sacrifices are going to pay off at the end.”
ATP Finals 2020
Due to the pandemic, there are no fans inside the 20,000-capacity venue. There are also no line judges, as the tournament is using electronic line calling for the first time.
The system means players can no longer challenge whether a ball was in or out as those calls get made automatically. However, they can request a video review for other disputed situations, such as double bounces.
Stefanos Tsitsipas– Greek professional tennis player
He is the youngest player ranked in the top 10 by the Association of Tennis Professionals and has a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the world, making him the highest-ranked Greek player in history.
