Stefanos Tsitsipas: Beating Rafael Nadal on clay makes it even more special

Stefanos Tsitsipas says he was “in the zone” during his stunning win over Rafael Nadal in the semi-final of the Madrid Open.
The Greek went into the match having lost his three previous encounters against the 17-time Grand Slam champion, but he finally got the better of his more illustrious opponent on Saturday.
Tsitsipas held firm to win 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 and naturally he rated a win over the King of Clay on the red dirt as one of his best wins.
“It means the world. I’m really happy that I proved myself today. I played one of my best games this year,” he said. “I’m really happy that I’m fighting, I’m in the zone. I’m enjoying tennis at its fullest potential. It’s really nice to be able to play this way. Today’s victory is just an unbelievable feeling.”
He added: “You cannot imagine the relief. It’s unbelievable. I don’t want to say this, but it almost felt like I lost hope at some point. [I lost] three in a row [against him].
“I felt in Toronto when I played him I was very close and this match kind of gave me a bit of confidence I can do it in the future, but then it was too much. [I’m] really happy that I overcame this and dealt with it mentally. Beating him on clay makes it even more special.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
More from Tennis365:
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Katie Boulter salutes British team spirit after stunning Wimbledon success
Leicester’s Katie Boulter helped British players to…
-
Wimbledon
What next for Serena Williams as she loses in the first round of Wimbledon?
Williams is facing fresh questions over her future in tennis after her much-hyped comeback ended with a first round defeat at Wimbledon
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu hopes to make quick work of opponents in bid for home slam glory
The US Open champion takes on Caroline Garcia in round two on Wednesday.
-
Wimbledon
Alastair Gray thrills home crowd with remarkable grand slam debut victory
The world number 288 saw off the 2018 Wimbledon boys’ singles champion Tseng Chun-hsin.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day two: A timeline of British triumphs
Eleven British players were in singles action, with six reaching the second round.
-
Wimbledon
Rafael Nadal gets a thorough workout in Wimbledon win
The Spaniard, 36, underwent radio-wave therapy on the nerve in his left foot earlier this month.
-
Wimbledon
Iga Swiatek: ‘I don’t consider myself a legend’
Swiatek surpassed Venus Williams’ record for most successive wins this century.
-
News
Jack Draper blows past Zizou Bergs for first Grand Slam win
The 20-year-old defeated Belgian Zizou Bergs in straight sets to set up a clash with Alex De Minaur.
-
Wimbledon
Nick Kyrgios unapologetic after nasty spat with spectator
The world number 40 hit out at the behaviour of some spectators during the Court Three match.
-
News
Ryan Peniston keeps expecting to wake up from Wimbledon dream
The 26-year-old wild card sailed through to the second round.