ATP Toronto: Rafael Nadal edges Karen Khachanov to set Stefanos Tsitsipas clash

World no. 1 and a three-time Canada Open champion Rafael Nadal advanced to his 116th ATP final in Toronto 2018, the first here since 2013. Rafa took down the Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6, 6-4 in an hour and 49 minutes, with the youngster competing in his first Masters 1000 semi-final. A former champion had the scoreboard under control, facing only one break point and creating seven opportunities on the return. The Russian repelled five of those to stay in contention, but it wasn't enough to win at least a set in the battle for his maiden Masters 1000 final. It was the 39th win for Nadal in 2018 from 42 encounters, becoming the first player who had qualified for the ATP Finals, punching the ATP finale ticket for the 14ht consecutive year. The Spaniard had 22 winners and the same number of unforced errors, while Khachanov stood on a negative 24-37 ratio, making too many mistakes from his forehand to stay aggressive and keep the upper hand in the rallies.

The youngster had the edge in the more extended exchanges, losing ground to Rafa in the shortest and mid-range ones to deserve the triumph and earn a chance to seek the 33rd Masters 1000 title. Rafa held in the opening game after few deuces and broke in game two after a loose forehand from Khachanov. Karen broke back at love in game three when Nadal's forehand landed long, a significant moment for his confidence, as he served well to remain in touch with a great rival. The Russian saved a break point with an ace in game eight and fired three winners at 5-6 to set up a tie break. Khachanov's forehand let him down in the worst moment, losing two points on serve in a row to fall 5-2 behind, allowing Rafa to grab the breaker 7-3 with another mini-break in the tenth point, securing the challenging opener after 61 minutes.

In Toronto 2018, Rafael Nadal defeated Karen Khachanov to reach the final. 

Carried by this momentum, Nadal had lost just six points on serve in set number two, and Khachanov was unable to follow that pace, getting broken in game three when his forehand finished in the net. A fantastic forehand down the line winner earned another break chance for Rafa in game five, denied by Karen's mighty forehand. The Russian brought the game home after a few more deuces to stay within one break deficit, having to steal Nadal's serve if he wanted to extend the battle. That was the last big moment of the match, as Rafa drove fast towards the finish line, sealing the deal with a Pete Sampras-like smash for a hold at love and the place in the final.

from Tennis World USA https://ift.tt/3iIsL10