Nadal reflects on importance of making semifinals

With his season on the line, Rafael Nadal saved some of his best tennis for last as he battled past Stefanos Tsitsipas to qualify for the semifinals at the Nitto ATP Finals.

The Spaniard was facing elimination after going 1-1 in group play, and would lose his spot to Tsitsipas if the Greek star emerged victorious. However, Nadal was able to overcome a brilliant effort from the defending champion and win 6-4 4-6 6-2 to advance to the semifinals for the sixth time in his career.

"To be in the semi-finals here, in the last tournament of the year, is an important thing," Nadal said following his win. "I am happy for that and I am looking forward to the semi-finals against Daniil Medvedev.”

The World No.2 obtained a 2-1 record in Group London 2020, finishing second behind Dominic Thiem. Having never captured the elusive ATP Finals trophy, the Roland Garros champion faces Daniil Medvedev in the semifinals on Saturday. Medvedev finished atop Group Tokyo 1970, after going 2-0 in round-robin play.

“I still won two matches like last year,” Nadal added. “Last year, I was a little bit unlucky not to be in the semi-finals. The year before I had to pull out. It is always difficult to play here against the best players in the world every single day at the end of the season. Most of the time, you get here a little bit tired, but this year is a little bit different… I am just excited to be in the semi-finals and I hope to be ready to try my best.”

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