Rogers Cup—Canada
Rafael Nadal and Simona Halep captured respective Rogers Cup titles in Toronto and Montreal on Sunday.
For Nadal, his fourth title in Canada came at the expense of up-and-comer Greek player Stefanos Tsitsipas, 6-2, 7-6(4). Serving for the match at 6-2, 5-4, Nadal showed visible signs of nerves as he lost his delivery before playing an ensuing tiebreaker. With his 20-year-old opponent full of confidence, Nadal was made to raise the level as he captured his 80th title. Needing one hour and 41 minutes for his victory, Nadal hit four aces, won 94 percent of his first serve points broke serve on three occasions.
Tsitsipas, who defeated four top 10 players throughout the week, will rise to No. 15 in the world on Monday. The birthday boy defeated Dominic Thiem, Novak Djokovic, Alexander Zverev and Kevin Anderson en-route to the finals.
On the women’s side, world No. 1 Halep needed nearly three hours to oust reigning US Open winner Sloane Stephens, 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4.
Hitting four aces and breaking serve on seven occasions, Halep’s confidence at crucial moments made the difference in the encounter. Winning her second career Rogers Cup title, Halep will next see action at the Cincinnati event in Mason, Ohio.
Stephens, who was attempting to win her first career title in Canada, defeated defending champion Elina Svitolina in the semifinals.
