Stefanos Tsitsipas recalls learning from first demolition Rafael Nadal gave him
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Stefanos Tsitsipas said his first Barcelona meeting against Rafael Nadal was just a learning experience. In the 2018 Barcelona final, Tsitsipas took on Nadal for the first time in his career. Tsitsipas didn’t stand much of a chance in the 2018 Barcelona final as Nadal claimed a dominant 6-2 6-1 win.
In 2021, Tsitsipas and Nadal met again in the Barcelona final. This time, Tsitsipas did much better as Nadal had to work hard before clinching a 6-4 6-7 (6) 7-5 win.
Tsitsipas on how he learned from his first loss to Nadal
“The first time I played him I just wasn’t ready, I didn’t pick it up yet, but the second time was the most memorable one in terms of the intensity that I brought onto the court and the experience that I had from previous encounters.
He brought the best out of me that day and I was so close and it was so disappointing to finish that match with a loss,” Tsitsipas said on the ATP Tennis Radio Podcast. This past Sunday, Tsitsipas played in his third Barcelona final.
Again, Tsitsipas ended on the losing side after Carlos Alcaraz beat the Greek 6-3 6-4. After the final, Tsitsipas spoke extremely highly of Alcaraz. “I had the opportunity to see you a few years ago for the very first time when you first got introduced on the ATP Tour and I saw you play a little bit.
Some of us guys that were here a little bit earlier than you, I think most of us were fascinated by your tennis. I would like to congratulate you on this amazing build that you’ve been putting in the last few years. It’s very impressive.
I think it’s fair enough to say that we see you as an example. Even though we’re slightly older than you, we see your achievements as something that will hopefully push us to do better,” Tsitsipas said.
Read More: Stefanos Tsitsipas recalls learning from first demolition Rafael Nadal gave him 2023-04-26 21:40:54