Former world No.1 Rafael Nadal has defended his title at the Rogers Cup after downing an out of sorts Daniil Medvedev 6-3,6-0, in the final on Sunday.
The world No.2 overcame a tentative start to brush aside his error-stricken opponent with a clinical display. Winning 11 out of the last 13 games he played. Nadal’s performance saw him hit 12 winners, of which 10 were from the forehand side, as he won 82% of his first service points.
“For me it was important that at the beginning he(Medvedev) wasn’t taking advantage because finals are always a little bit more difficult for everyone.” Nadal said during his post-match interview.
“I’ve played a lot of these and I know they can be tricky against great players such as him .’
“I just tried to hold in my first game and then I think I played a very solid match. My best of the week so far without a doubt. “ He added.
18-time grand slam champion Nadal headed into the match as the overwhelming favourite given his resume. However, Medvedev is by no means a push over. The Russian claimed 38 wins on a hard court in 2018, which was more than any other player on the ATP Tour. He has also achieved 25 additions wins on the surface so far this year and is placed second behind Nadal in the list of most tournament victories in 2019.
At first it looked as if Nadal would be firmly tested with his opening service game lasting nine minutes. However, as the match progressed so did the intensity of the Spaniard’s shot-making. It was a single break midway during the opening set that enabled Nadal to clinch the lead. A Medvedev double fault gave him a break for 3-1 as he backed it up immediately with a love service game. Firmly in control of proceedings, the top seed sealed the 6-3 lead in just over 40 minutes. Doing so with the help of a forehand winner down the line.
Nadal continued to capitalize on the mistakes made by the world No.8. A lacklustre Medvedev service game at the start of the second set saw him hit another costly double fault, followed by a forehand slamming into the net on the next point. Handing Nadal his second break in the match. Rapidly gaining in momentum, the top seed raced towards the finish line without facing much resistance. Sealing victory on his first match point after a backhand shot from his opponent drifted beyond the baseline.
“You’re an amazing champion of our sport and it is an honour to play against you for the first time.” said Medvedev, who was contesting his first Masters 1000 final. “Of course I wanted another result, but you’re amazing and you had an amazing tournament. Congrats to you.”
The victory hands the 33-year-old his 83rd ATP title, which is the fourth highest tally in the history of men’s tennis. Including a record 35 Masters trophies. It is also the first time in his career has managed to successfully defend a title on a hard court. Although Nadal played down the significance of that milestone.
“Honestly, it is nothing special.” He said. “The most important thing is to win the title again.’
“It is so important to be back on hard court and win another big title again.”
Nadal exits Montreal with 1000 ATP ranking points and $1,049,040 in prize money. On Monday he will rise to top spot in the Race to London.
