Nadal Overcomes Cilic To Reach Toronto SF; Pathetic Zverev Collapses To Tsitsipas

by Staff | August 11th, 2018, 1:13 am
  • 77 Comments

For the second straight night Rafael Nadal found himself in a fight, this one was with the man who eliminated him from his last hard court event at the Australian Open, Marin Cilic.

The two squared off in the Canadian Open Toronto quarterfinals and it was Cilic racing out to a blistering 5-1 lead behind nearly impeccable play. But the Croat couldn’t sustain it and Rafa got his teeth in the match and took the second despite losing a late break and Cilic failing to level for 5-all.

In the third, both settled down until Nadal broke Cilic for the 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.

“The way that he played in that first set was unstoppable,” Nadal said. “So I resisted him. I play with the right tactics. I tried to find my solutions, but it was so difficult. The dynamic was very bad for me and unbelievable good for him. So I know that the beginning of the second set would be decisive.

“And then at 2-1, I had that break where he missed couple of balls and was the first time in the match that he made some mistakes. Maybe that was a key moment. And of course that last game of the second set that he was up 40/15, and he made two mistakes. So yeah.”

The 3-time champion will now meet Karen Khachanov in the Saturday night semifinal. He leads the Russian 3-0.

“It means a lot to me to be in the semi-finals,” said Nadal. “It’s because it was a very important match for me. Being in the semi-finals is great news at the start of the hard court season. And winning three good matches in the first Masters 1000 is so important for me.”

Khachanov had no trouble at all ousting last year’s surprise semifinalist Robin Haase 6-3, 6-1 to reach his first career Masters semifinal.

“I’m happy with this performance that I could reach my first semi-final,” the 22-year-old Khachanov said. “But I don’t want to be satisfied because there is always something that you can do better. So that’s why I’m focusing already on the next match.”

Earlier in the day, Kevin Anderson made his second career Masters semi hammering Grigor Dimitrov 6-2, 6-2.

“It was definitely a great match today,” said Anderson who was 1-6 against the Bulgarian at the start of the day. “I felt I played really well right from the beginning. I think I played some really good tennis in the last couple of matches, just not from the start.

“I felt I was in a really good frame of mind, playing the kind of tennis that I knew I wanted to be playing and needed to be playing.”

And in the surprise of the day, defending champion Alexander Zverev looked in total control leading teen Stefanos Tsitsipas up 6-3, 5-2. But Zverev completely fell apart, squandered two match points in the ensuing breaker. And he promptly smashed a racquet.

Then in the third, after failing to hold a break lead, Zverev was serving 4-5, 30-15 to stay in it, when failed to challenge an out forehand that was in and would have given him 40-15. Instead it was 30-all, and he gagged a volley, then down match point he double faulted giving Tsitsipas the 3-6, 7-6(11), 6-4 victory.

“I don’t think he played that well. I think the match was absolutely pathetic on all levels,” Zverev said. “I’m very honest with you guys. Today was an absolute pathetic match I don’t even think he played well.

“I mean, I was up 6-3, 5-3, serving for the match. So it should have been a three and three match, and then I would have been [in press] about one-and-a-half hours ago,” added Zverev. “But now I’m going to go to Cincinnati. I’ll do everything I can to prepare myself there and play well there. But as I said, I didn’t feel the ball at all. I didn’t play well. So a lot of it didn’t depend on me.”

Tsitsipas has now won three straight matches over Top 10 players. And having been ranked outside the Top 160 a year ago, he’ll be in the Top 20 come Monday.

“Achieving such things makes me feel nice,” said Tsitsipas. “I’m very proud of who I am and at this age to have these kind of results, which I never expected. I always thought it’s going to take more years for this to happen. But with the hard work that I’ve been doing, it’s no surprise to me. I believe I have the game to compete against these players. I’m feeling very confident.”

So will he make it a fourth? Up next is Anderson who he beat in Estoril.

“A very tough opponent to face on hard courts,” he said of Anderson. “He has a huge serve. He can be really dangerous. He’s attacking a lot and takes the ball early. So again, I’m walking into with low expectations. I know he’s the favorite again.

“I’m going to try to remain calm. I know he’s going to ace a lot tomorrow. He’s going to be put pressure with his serve and his returns. So I’m ready for that and it’s going to be a tough match… It’s an opportunity to do again well in this tournament, even better. I’m going to try to use my chances as much as I can.”


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77 Comments for Nadal Overcomes Cilic To Reach Toronto SF; Pathetic Zverev Collapses To Tsitsipas

AndyMira Says:

Yesss Rafa!!Good job!….Winning it is okay too!!


BBB Says:

I was lucky to be at the tournament yesterday. When Zverev went up 4-1 in the second, we headed over to doubles to watch Bryan/Sock and then Djoker/Anderson. I was shocked that Tsitsipas won! But it was really fun to see the doubles from the second row.


Nitesh Says:

Nadal was lucky to break back again in second set. That break was more off Cilic’s own fault.


skeezer Says:

@BBB,
Awesome you were there. Second row, Nole, nice.👍
——
Rafa has adapted well to the HC this yesr, shortening his stroke when needed. Cilic: goes mental when as usual when needed. Looking forward to todays matches.


BBB Says:

Thanks skeezer! I was disappointed he lost in the singles, but it was fun to be so close for the dubs. I kept waiting for Anderson to cancel, but he didn’t, he’s a mensch. Djoker didn’t play well. Still, great to see Anderson’s serve and Djoker’s return up close.

Plus Aperol spritzes.

I get the feeling Zverev is a bit full of himself at the moment, not just these remarks but the split with Ferrero. Let’s hope he’s just young and pulls it together.


Margot Says:

Glad you had a good time BBB. Nothing like “live” tennis and if you can get up close and personal, even better….


Daniel Says:

Cincy draw out. Nadal tonfave Djoko QF and Raonic 1st round if Raonic wins hisnfirst match.

Fed and Murray R16 if Fed wins 1 and Murray 2.

Bizarre times, a few year back they would only fave semis, now we can gave a R16 and QF big 4 clash.


Giles Says:

”tonfave” WTH?


Mystic - Willow Says:

Daniel sorry please can you repeat that dont understand ….


j-kath Says:

To Rafa and All Tennis Fans

Rafa the first to be assured of a place in the ATP Yearly Final in London.

https://www.thesportreview.com/2018/08/rafael-nadal-news-atp-world-tour-finals-2018/


chofer Says:

Tonfave means Djoko will covfefe with Rafa and that will make everyone horny!


chofer Says:

“Pathetic Zverev Collapses with Tsitsipas”

I loove the lack of irony (or quotation marks) in the headline!

GOAT headline!


j-kath Says:

Daniel @ 1.03 pm:

Bizarre? Andy returns way down the ranking due to injury. Close to his best is all we can hope for.


fred stone Says:

tonfave = to face

Daniel doesn’t correct his mistakes and nobody knows why.
I won’t knock him for his bad typemanship (new word?) but he does provide timely updates here and has a good tennis sense.

The Greek. Anybody else think he plays a bit like Dolgopolov with his weird racket follow-through?


Daniel Says:

To face…😜


chofer Says:

“The Greek. Anybody else think he plays a bit like Dolgopolov with his weird racket follow-through?”

No. Not that extreme. It’s even less extreme than Rafa’s.
Dolgo has also that weird toss. He’s weird, period.

The thing with Stefanos is that he looks like playing straight-standing. Like he’s not bending his knees (especially on his FH). Sort of like Kyrgios on the BH side. That’s bad mechanics or extreme talent, you decide.


chofer Says:

BTW, He can place his forehand like he was pusing it with his hands instead of the racquet: anywhere on the court. And with margin. It’s not the toughest or hardest. But it might be the most versatile.


chofer Says:

pushing


Mystic - Willow Says:

Fedstone i wasnt knocking Daniel i was just curious hun


chofer Says:

Anderson might be, along with Rafa, the most consistent player of the year thus far. I don’t think this will be easy for the Greek. He still have problems with a kick serve to the body, like any one hander. He might exploit that.


chofer Says:

If anything, Tsitsipas reminded me of Guga Kuerten the most.


chofer Says:

Daniel, you’re brazilian. Isn’t the greek a bit like Guga?


Mystic - Willow Says:

Chofer i used to love Guga, and i very much like Tsissy now too ….


chofer Says:

I found them extremely look-alike, Willow. Guga played a little bit flatter and had better BH. But the way he waits for the serve (standing) The casualness of his shots, the intangibles. He cam be creative. Like a recreational player playing the tour.

And no. Fabio Fognini doesn’t count:))


chofer Says:

Both doesn’t have knees, apparently:))


chofer Says:

He doesn’t seem to move. Look at his court coverage and feet. Kyrgios should watch him.


chofer Says:

His shots are hard to read. Ask Djoko.


chofer Says:

He takes pace off the ball constantly. How many do that? Murray and…


Daniel Says:

JK,

Bizarrebkorenin the sense that time is changing and we have to adjust. Big 4 are all 31+, 3 had surgerys (Murray 2), the other plagued by injurys.

But its odd to get used to it.

Fred stone,

Indeed, I am a very fast typer and in here don’t look back. At a phone with a peculiar sense of words sometimes..


Daniel Says:

Damm it.
^bizarre more in the sense…^


chofer Says:

Daniel

Answer my question, please:))


chofer Says:

Willow

Isn’t it pretty? I burned out with Kyrgios. It’s a gift we have a “Thinking Nick” out there!


Daniel Says:

Also, Tistsipas hits pretty deep almost all shot less than a foot from baseline. It looks like his shots don’t bother but they got spin and he alternates also.

I think his great asset so far is his composure and calm demeanour. With maturity and fitnes he can reach heights.


chofer Says:

I’d say Shapo is exciting to watch, but this kid is aldo unpredictable.


chofer Says:

also, sorry.


chofer Says:

Daniel

He doesn’t repeat a spin ot effect on two shots. Let alone trajectory. Two many options!


Daniel Says:

Yeah Chofer, his body structure and posture looks the same and the way they play, but the greek is far more handsome. Guga has a great spirit and carisma but boy he is ugly LOL


chofer Says:

Ok Daniel. LOL


chofer Says:

Did you see that drop shot??

I’m loving this.


chofer Says:

He’s so “casual” he misses a deep second volley like if he uses his hands instead of racquet!! Look for those details. This kid has talent to spare!


chofer Says:

He changes paces like it is nothing. Do you know how difficult that is?


chofer Says:

He had lucky with that short ball. But the ball has nothing on it to hit on.

I remember, when someone described how was playing against Evonne Goolagong looked like: She said: she takes the pace off so well that her shots land like a nest to you. Drop dead.

He might be from another era. But he also has the kaboom! Change rhythms so you cannot have a target.


Daniel Says:

Strange tiebreak, 6 straight points to Anderson to close. Experience. Tsitsi got a bit tense.

Pretty contested match and won’t expect next set to be any different


j-kath Says:

Okie-doke Daniel and PS: Thanks for translating “bizarrebkorenin” – champion!!!


chofer Says:

Tsitsipas’ tennis is from another era. I like that.

Also he’s the “Thinking-Man Kyrgios” which is good!! How many times pointed himself in the head to think? He thinks. He plays thinking tennis. Somewhere, the Mecirs and Goolagongs are smiling.


chofer Says:

He’s effortless. In a world of grunting and ball-bashing. Thanks, God of Tennis!


chofer Says:

Chris Evert should like him, too. I bet!


chofer Says:

I think I’m in love.


chofer Says:

Nobody called Karen should play ATP tour. What’s next? Dolly Nadal?

Generation X have only ruined names.


Daniel Says:

Indeed Chofer: Karen, Dominic, Tsitsipas, Sasha, they could form a girl band with those name, like spicy girls! 😜


Daniel Says:

Ok. Tsisipas just beaten 3 current top 10 and he is 1 set away of beating a fourth.
Can he beat 5 with Nadal almost assure in finals? That could be the greatest Masters run ever? Although Djojo 2007 Montreal beating Top 3 (Fedal included) was the top for me


j-kath Says:

These days – You can’t let Anderson this close to a win…danger beckons….


Humble Rafa Says:

chofer Says:
Nobody called Karen should play ATP tour. What’s next? Dolly Nadal?

Roofer,

I made the same point and was taken to the cleaners by the feminists here. Be careful.

Apparently Karen, Megan, Jennifer etc are male names in some parts of the world.


Humble Rafa Says:

Dolly Nadal?

Also no need to bring me into the mud fight. I request considering Crying Federina.


Daniel Says:

DF Tsitsi on MP. Tense.

Now MP Anderson.


Humble Rafa Says:

Good to see that not everyone messes up after having MPs with the African man.


Daniel Says:

Damm the boy has nerves of steel. 2 back to back matches saving MP. 4 straight top 10 victories and fimm1st Masters final.

Too bad for him Nadal is no Zverev nor Anderson. The only positive is Nadal played 2 long matches, may play another tonight and will have less recovery time for tomorrow, as final is 5 pm, so Nadal has less than 20 hours for tomorrows final


chofer Says:

HR

I’m not Federer fan. Wrong Number.

And Karen is a girl’s name even in Russia. Not his fault, tho.

And Yayy for Stefanos. You da boy! Tennis has won!


j-kath Says:

My goodness Anderson is a much revived player this year with loads of grit and this Sit&Sip who just turned 20 years of age managed to beat him – what next? Will he do a Thiem? a Grigor?
Or fade a bit like Sasha?


AndyMira Says:

If i’m not wrong,i think a year or so ago,someone said[i think it’s WB,if i am wrong, i am so sorry WB] that ‘something'[maybe his arrogance] in Sascha that he don’t like..At that time,i still want to give Sascha a chance..But,after read what sascha said in his presser yesterday..oh boy!WB was absolutely right!!…

I think Sascha should take some humbleness from Novak/Rafa when they lose…Novak even gave a credit to Tsitsi & said he deserved to win..And Novak is one of the GOAT…


Daniel Says:

Match delayed, I think 10:30 pm local time.

Final stil schedule for 4 pm. They probably will delay a bit.


Humble Rafa Says:

I think 10:30 pm local time.

I don’t know who runs these tournaments. Must be ducks and giraffes. There must be no tennis played beyond mid night when there the winner has to play the next day. Some so-called geniuses don’t get it.


AndyMira Says:

Daniel 6:02pm…Yeah!…I understand whatchu mean…But i think Tsitsi’s condition is no better than Rafa imo…I mean,he’s already played at Washington last week & reached semis there..Here he played the last 3 matches[all with tough matches & opponents] in 3 setters too…[Oh!Don’t forget about the possible mental drain after the huge win over 3 Top Tenners too]…

But Rafa only play this week,only lost 1 set to Cilic…Err..do u forget how Rafa had to play 2 days in a row against DelPo at Wimby for 4hrs 47 minutes & also had to play Nole also for 2 days in a row for 5 hrs 15 minutes[on grass,his weakest surface]…So,i don’t think Rafa’s fitness is something that we need to worry that much imo…


Humble Rafa Says:

So,i don’t think Rafa’s fitness is something that we need to worry that much imo

Xisca nods her head in agreement and says people don’t know about my other exploits outside the tennis court that also need energy.


AndyMira Says:

Yeah HR!…Xisca’s knows best!!


Daniel Says:

Someone should tell Kachanov that Nadal’s FH is the other corner


Daniel Says:

BH

He is going after his FH instead of going to BH corner


Humble Rafa Says:

Happy to take the first set against Jennifer.

You know the quality of the tournament based on the quality of its sponsors. This tournament is sponsored by some toilet paper company.

Tennis administrators need to consider increasing the space behind the baseline for me to move. I am running into some random people standing at the back (not sure what they do, but they interfere with my tennis).


FedExpress Says:

FedExpress Says:
Nadal is the sure winner of this event. There is no one who can beat him.

August 9th, 2018 at 11:19 pm


Humble Rafa Says:

Express,

Despite your name, you are smart.


AndyMira Says:

Yessss!!Wooohoooo!!….To the final we go Rafa!!…Hehe..Not bad for a CLAY SPECIALIST!!


FedExpress Says:

Just hand him the trophy. No need to play the final. Stef has nothing in the tank after throwing so much mental andy physical energy in his last three matches.

Nadal will moonball him death and wait for his errors.


Humble Rafa Says:

First Jennifer, then Steffi. It’s all good


Colin Says:

I don’t think most of you guys are classical music fans, but surely most people know the Sabre Dance number. Well the composer, Aram Khachaturian, had a son named Karen, also a composer. Then there was John Wayne, as butch as they come, whose real middle name was Marian.

It’s never a good idea to laugh at foreign names. For all you know, your own name might be the Inuit for “Walrus Dung”, and would make a native Inuit collapse with laughter!


Mystic - Willow Says:

Colin much prefer Salsa dancing lol, there was wrestler big daddy too, real name Shirley Crabtree, so i see what you mean ….

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