By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
Stefanos Tstitsipas pulled off a masterful comeback after turning the tides against Rafael Nadal in five grueling sets, 3-6, 2-6, 7-6, 6-4, 7-5 during their quarterfinal showdown.
The Greek was down two sets when the Spaniard got into an early rhythm with forehand winners.
Tsitsipas mounted a comeback set in the third after edging Nadal in a tiebreak.
Riding on this momentum, Tstitsipas played more consistently throughout the match and would not drop a single service until the fifth and final set.
Tsitsipas’ serve and volley game finally came into play in the fifth set, earning him the win.
“I focused on staying calm and holding my nerves today. I have failed to do so in some of my matches in the past. I stayed calm in the tight moments and I kept everything to myself. I am really happy with the attitude that I showed on the court,” said Tsitsipas.
The victory Tsitsipas earned will set up a highly-anticipated semifinals war with rising star Daniil Medvedev.