‘I’ve never played an exhibition so long!’ – Rafael Nadal wins epic Mubadala final for record fifth title

ATP Tour
Rafael Nadal at Paris Masters practice

Rafael Nadal has won a record fifth Mubadala World Tennis Championship after he won a three hour and 12 minute epic against Stefanos Tsitsipas in Saturday’s final.

The world number one was taken all the way by Tsitsipas, though, needing to win a fifth-set tiebreak to take the crown.

It was the Greek who won the first set, coming back from a break down to claim it on a tiebreak.

Nadal, typically, fought back to take the second set, and was 4-2 up in the third before Tsitsipas once again showed his reliance by levelling once more.

However, Nadal had just too much left in the tank and closed out a 6-7 (3-7), 7-5, 7-6 (7-3) win.

“I’ve never played an exhibition so long, or maybe even any match, so I’m happy I gave it my all out there,” Tsitispas said after the match.

“We got electric support from the fans here. It’s been a great couple of days, I enjoyed it a lot, and I’m really grateful to have the opportunity [to be here].

“Congrats to Rafa, it’s a great way for him to end the year. We put on some great entertainment with high-quality tennis.”

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Rafael Nadal Stefanos Tsitsipas

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